Patent ID: 8820063

Claim:
A method of construction of a hydroelectric power generation system in an environment comprising a water source which flows from a first height to a second height, the first height being at least 10 meters above the second height, the method comprising the steps of: (i) constructing an underground power cavern at a location adjacent said water source at said second height, said underground power cavern having a removable roof covering; (ii) performing directional drilling to define a first tunnel from said underground power cavern to a water source location at or adjacent said water source at said first height, said first tunnel having a diameter no greater than 6 meters; (iii) installing piping in said first tunnel to define a first conduit which in-use conveys water from said water source location to said underground power cavern; (iv) constructing a second conduit from said underground power cavern to said water source at or below said second height; (v) performing directional drilling to define a second tunnel from said underground power cavern to a power grid; (vi) installing an at least one electricity generating turbine in said underground power cavern in fluid flow communication with said first tunnel and said second conduit; (vii) installing an at least one electricity cable in said second tunnel connecting said at least one electricity generating turbine to said power grid; and (viii) when said water source location is not in fluid flow communication with said water source at said first height, placing said water source location in fluid flow communication with said water source at said first height.