Techno‐Economic Feasibility of a Micro‐Hydropower System on the River Colne, Huddersfield

Hydropower in the United Kingdom (UK) remains underexplored due to its dependence on site‐specific geographical and hydrological conditions. This study aims to assess the technical and economic feasibility of installing a small‐scale hydropower system at an existing weir on the River Colne. Hydrological assessment was conducted using a 95% dependable flow duration curve (FDC) to estimate available flow and power output, while system performance and economic viability were evaluated using RETScreen modelling and sensitivity analysis. Results indicate a maximum capacity of 76.5 kW and annual generation of 284,384 kWh, offsetting approximately 3235 tonnes of CO 2 . Economic analysis yields a net present value (NPV) of £322,769, a benefit‐cost ratio of 4.5, an internal rate of return of 9.4% and a levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of £0.132/kWh, with simple and equity payback periods of 15.3 and 17.2 years, respectively. The findings confirm technical and economic viability and provide a replicable framework for site‐specific hydropower assessment in the UK.