Is there any small scale hydro options for low head burns/streams? Constant flow and of course a lot more in winter than in summer which would prob tie in well with demand for power.
http://www.hallidayshydropower.com/
These guys are good, helped me out and old school friend.
You need to do the orange test (or use tennis balls with Labradors)
I was surprised just how useless our rivers would be !
Normally its the red tape from EA that kills hydro schemes but if you remain under the radar these work very well.