A Comprehensive Study on the Recent Progress and Trends in Development of Small Hydropower Projects

Abstract

In terms of fuel resource, hydropower possesses a prominent advantage over any other large power plants which burn fossil fuels to generate electricity. Moreover, due to the abundance in resource availability (as a domestic source in small streams and rivers), small hydropower (SHP) plants are showing prominence all over the world. SHP plants have led to improved access to electricity usage in under-developed and developing nations, thereby contributing to sustainable development goals and social empowerment. SHP, as a technology, is regarded as the largest density renewable resource with high adaptability, and low investment costs. The primary objective of the paper is to study and analyze recent developments in SHP technologies with reporting statistical figures in terms of installed capacity and MW potential in several parts of the world. Methodologies adopted by researchers to conduct techno-economic analysis of SHP projects are reviewed. Various costs involved in conducting pre-feasibility studies—such as constructing, maintaining, and sustainably operating SHP projects—are studied. The results of the study indicate cost and regulatory issues are the major factors affecting the growth of the small hydropower sector in many nations. Major impediments to construction, development and deployment of SHP projects, mutually existing among the nations worldwide, are also reported. Technical hindrances include non-availability of the grid and very limited accessibility to SHP sites, emissions due to storage of water, disruptive technologies with limited manpower and non-technical hindrances include discouragement from local bodies and groups, lack of suitable and precise pathways to accomplish SHP goals of a nation, lack of incentives for encouraging private players to invest in SHP projects, complex approval processes, and many more.

Levelized Cost of Electricity Generation by Small Hydropower Projects under Clean Development Mechanism in India

“…This practice only reflects the investments up to a particular point, i.e., the SHP's design and construction. Although this period accounts for a significant portion of the total plant investments, other costs relating to SHP's generation losses, outage, maintenance, replacement and CERs must be considered in evaluating the plant's entire LCC, which is vital for evaluating the NPV [9].…”

“…SHP is the leading renewable energy generating resource globally [17]. Major advantages exhibited by SHP plants are reduced gestation times, devoid of submergence, resettlement and other complications associated with the environment and ecosystem [9,18]. Hydraulic turbines convert water pressure into mechanical power of shaft, which is further used to run an alternator or other electricitygenerating machines.…”

“…Table 3 gives information about the various correlations developed for low head SHP plants which were developed for run-of-river, dam toe and canal based SHP schemes [26][27][28]. The correlations for high head SHP plants involve various components and their combinations as every plant is site specific [9]. In this regard, the correlations have been developed based upon the work to be done for each civil work component.…”

“…Decisions related to investments in SHP projects are generally based on thorough and precise techno-economic and cost-benefit analysis with the prevailing market conditions [8]. Financial feasibility is concerned mostly with the profitability of the SHP projects, while economic analysis is concerned with both monetary and societal benefits [9]. The most straightforward approach to evaluate the economic feasibility of the SHP project is using the payback period and the net present value for the investments.…”

On the Optimization of Electrical Water Heaters: Modelling Simulations and Experimentation

“…Due to the aggravation of an energy crisis, Scientists recommend exploiting renewable sources of energy [1][2][3] and to simultaneously manage the energy consumption as a last step to reduce the severity of this problem [4][5][6][7]. The energy management field is under continuous development nowadays due to the diversity and complexity of components involved in modern thermal systems.…”