Hydro Power Generation Innovations and Developments
Hydropower plants use water that cascades through large pipes or tunnels (penstocks) to a lower elevation, where it spins turbines and drives generators. Transformers then convert the alternating voltage generated by these generators into higher voltage suitable for long-distance transmission.
Researchers at NREL are developing hydropower technology that will facilitate the grid’s transition to renewable energy sources. Specifically, they’re researching how hydropower can facilitate more variable forms of renewable energy like wind and solar power production.
1. Increased Efficiency
Hydropower generation has seen a marked improvement in efficiency and cost efficiency due to technological improvements and operational changes at hydro power facilities.
Hydropower, like any major energy source, requires upfront costs that cannot be avoided. But hydropower has relatively low maintenance, operations and fuel expenses throughout its full project lifetime due to the fact that its equipment typically lasts longer without needing major replacement or repairs.
Furthermore, water flow to power plants can be precisely controlled to meet the fluctuating needs of the national grid. This conserves energy and guarantees a constant supply of electricity.
2. Increased Flexibility
Hydro power generation’s flexibility is an invaluable asset to the power grid, able to quickly start up and shut down operations, adjust output quickly, and provide ancillary services such as positive reserve and negative reserve that help maintain grid stability during sudden spikes in load demand.
Hydropower plants typically possess the capacity to store water in reservoirs, enabling them to adjust demand quickly and cost-effectively. This is especially helpful when using variable renewable energy sources (RES).
With the rising share of distributed solar and wind energy, planning supply- and demand-side flexibility is becoming even more critical. In the coming years, flexibility requirements are expected to expand even further.
3. Reduced Costs
Hydro power generation is one of the most cost-effective renewable energy sources. Its low balance-of-system costs more than offset its higher upfront construction expenses, making it increasingly attractive to investors and consumers alike.
Hydropower plants do not have the same severe environmental consequences as some other forms of power generation, such as dislocating people or disrupting communities, nor do they release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Hydropower certainly offers many advantages, but there are also drawbacks that must be considered. For instance, reservoirs often displace animals from their natural habitats which could negatively impact the ecosystem.
4. Increased Renewable Energy
Hydro power generation is one of the oldest renewable energy technologies worldwide. With the rise of large-scale wind and solar farms, hydro can play an increasingly important role as a reliable partner for these intermittent renewables by offering flexibility and energy storage services to help balance out grid imbalances while cutting costs and improving stability.
According to the International Energy Agency, global installed hydropower capacity will reach 1,330 gigawatts (GW). China, Brazil, the United States and India are the top four hydropower producers globally.
5. Increased Security
Hydro power generation is an environmentally friendly and renewable source of energy that can help countries improve energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly pertinent for countries seeking to reduce their energy demand and reach national development objectives.
Hydropower not only reduces CO2 emissions, but it can provide electricity and enhance water security through multipurpose dams. These dams also assist with flood management, irrigation and storage needs.
Hydro power stations must be secured like any other form of infrastructure. This includes guaranteeing staff can evacuate safely in an emergency.