On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:00:52 +0100, Calum wrote:

We have hydro plants on streams that can generate a couple
kilowatts Sounds like Scottish Power generate more than a
*couple of
kilowatts* to me from hydro electric schemes --

Lanark Hydro Electric Scheme 17 MW
Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme 106.5 MW

Sloy 152MW
Foyers 300MW

Ben Cruachan 440MW
Dinorwig 1728 MW
Ffestiniog 360 MW

Those last three (at least) are pumped storage. Dinorwig can run at
full output for not much more than 12hrs, Ben Cruachan can do 22 hrs
but has to keep 12hrs in reserve for black start eventalities. Not
sure about Ffestininog.

Would be interesting to know how long the other hydro plants can run
before they empty their reservoirs or if they have catchment areas
large enough to keep them topped up.

--
Cheers
Dave.