Micro-hydro systems are designed to operate for a minimum of twenty years if properly maintained.

Until recently, there have been a number of impediments to the development of hydro sites below 100kW for electricity generation in the UK. These were:

1. Cost and complexity of grid connection discouraged small generators
2. Low prices paid for electricity produced from small generators
3. Lack of government grants for subsidising the capital cost of renewable energy  systems
4. Prohibitively expensive turbine and generator units
5. Lack of specialist companies in the UK with micro-hydro experience

This situation is now changing with the growing concern about climate change and fuel security encouraging greater interest in small, decentralised renewable energy systems.