On 18 Oct, 12:20, "TMC" wrote:
Just been reading the latest news reports about tidal barrages and nuclear
power

Why does no one mention HEP as a renewable source of energy any more?

Surely there must still be some areas of Wales and Scotland along with bits
of Northen England that would be ripe for building dams and flooding. May
also be beneficial for flood control further down the valleys.

Can it really be more expensive than new nuclear stations?

Hydro power is capital intensive and we have few viable sites in the
UK. There are a few in Wales and Scotland all pretty old but still in
use, mostly updated.
There are now microhydro systems too due to the ehhanced rates paid
for green electricity.
We have a major manufacturer in this country.
http://www.gilkes.com/
Lots of info here.
The fate of all hydro projects is that the dam silts up.
I was reading about the high Aswan dam the other day, it is silting up
faster than anticipated
http://www.springerlink.com/content/n5677462t174565r/