Run-of-river generating plants use the natural downward flow of water and elevation drop of a creek to generate power. Water flows from a small head pond at the intake through a pipe called a penstock, which channels the water to the turbine in the powerhouse. The force of the water turns the turbine, which runs the generator to produce electricity. The electricity is then distributed via power lines at the point of interconnection to the grid. After going through the turbine, 100% of the diverted water flows through a pipe called a tailrace and is returned to the original creek. Throughout this process, constant source of water flow is maintained in the diversion reach, the section of the creek between the intake and the tailrace, to support the creek’s natural aquatic habitat.
Typically, one megawatt (MW) is enough power for the energy needs of 400 Canadian households per year (assuming that one household consumes an average of 12 megawatt-hours (MWh) per year).