Agreed - hence small hydro! It takes the energy out of the river systems which very much need to keep that majority in there.

I fail to see how "removing energy" from a river system isn't directly destroying a habitat. Things like water surges play an important role in create sand bars and other microhabitats. It's best to leave them alone.

I think you misread my comment. I was agreeing with you in that we need to keep the energy in the water systems. Only small hydro which doesn't destroy rivers / ecosystems make sense.