Hydro-electric power developments require for their effective implementation the skills of a wide range of engineering and other professional disciplines, including:

• economists to determine the value of benefits and costs of the scheme and to assess its economic viability
• environmental and sociological specialists to determine the impact of the development on the flora, fauna and human population of the area
• hydrological engineers to assess the minimum and maximum river flows and the quantity and quality of water available for the development
• structural and dam design engineers to determine the most practicable and economical layout and design of structures
• aeromechanics engineers and geologists to assess the nature and behaviour of foundations and construction materials
• electrical engineers to determine the electrical configuration of the scheme including generation, transmission, electrical plant, control and protection systems, and communication systems
• mechanical engineers to establish the hydraulic and mechanical parameters for the development of turbines, gates, valves and other mechanical systems incorporated in the scheme
• civil engineers to develop both the short term (investigation and construction phase) and long term (operating and maintenance phase) infrastructure such as access roads, water supply or electric power required at different stages of a development.

SMEC specialises in hydroelectric power development and is able to bring together the necessary disciplines to undertake all phases of the project using both its own resources and the resources of specialist external associates where required.