There are certain issues within the detail of the feed-in tariff structure that will affect the fulfilment of the total potential hydropower development.

Whilst waiting for the announcement of the feed-in tariffs, some hydropower developers have pre-registered for the old system within the Renewables Obligation. If this was done before April 2008, hydropower owners can no longer apply for feed-in tariff and cannot afford to complete the scheme under the Renewable Obligation.

Another area of contention is the inability to use refurbished hydropower equipment for the feed-in tariffs regime. One of the big advantages of hydropower is that, with refurbishment, hydro plant can last easily for 100 years. Under the Renewables Obligation refurbishment was allowed.