Assessment of the riverine hydrokinetic energy resources in Lithuania

Abstract

The hydro-energy resources are considered as promising renewable energy sources, which emphasizes the need for assessment of theoretical hydrokinetic energy resources stored in Lithuanian rivers. This article presents the results of an investigation of the theoretical hydrokinetic energy in small and medium-size rivers. A total of 282 rivers (1487 segments) were examined and the relationships were established for evaluation of their hydrological and morphological indicators, such as river depth, width, and flow velocity. Only 41 rivers (328 segments) were identified as having a theoretical hydrokinetic potential. The total length of these valuable river segments reaches 2000 km. The estimated kinetic energy capacity calculated for a 1 km channel segment is 45.3 kW in South-eastern, 40.8 kW in Western, and 38.2 kW in Central Lithuania.

Assessment of hydrokinetic resources of small and medium-size rivers: the Lithuanian case

“…The previous study (Jakimavičius et al 2014) was dedicated to the assessment of theoretical hydrokinetic resources of small and medium-size Lithuanian rivers. In the current study, the authors continued the investigation and made an attempt to evaluate practical constraints related to opportunities of using the selected potentially exploitable river segments.…”

“…1 Location of the studied objects and distribution of river segments with the highest theoretical hydrokinetic energy capacity. Compiled by D. Jakimavičius m average depths have been estimated (Jakimavičius et al 2014). The investigated rivers were considered as small and medium-size, and they comprise the country's river network without the largest rivers: the Nemunas (97 854 km 2 ) and the Neris (24 942 km 2 ).…”

“…In previous study (Jakimavičius et al 2014) the estimated 328 river segments (about 2000 km in total) were identified as having a theoretical/technical hydrokinetic potential (they can be used when discharge is of 95% probability, flow velocity is greater than 0.4 m/s and flow depth exceeds 0.5 m). Natura 2000 sites (Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)) reduce the number of suitable river segments (Fig.…”

“…An assessment of theoretical hydrokinetic resources was accomplished, when a discharge in a river segment is of 95% probability, flow velocity is greater than 0.4 m/s and flow depth exceeds 0.5 m (Jakimavičius et al 2014). The river segment technical capacity P t (W) obtained from a hydrokinetic device was calculated using equation: The hydrokinetic capacity of a given river segment depends on the number of devices (N) that can be deployed and be used for energy production.…”

“…In the previous study (Jakimavičius et al 2014), theoretical hydrokinetic resources of small and medium-size Lithuanian rivers were assessed considering the estimated necessary minimum values of depth and velocity. In the present study, the research will be continued in order to single out available hydrokinetic resources, i.e., the portion of the theoretical resources that could be used for electricity generation given existing technologies without any constraints.…”