Financial Appraisal of Small Hydro-Power Considering the Cradle-to-Grave Environmental Cost: A Case from Greece

Vougioukli, Adamantia Zoi; Didaskalou, Eleni; Georgakellos, Dimitrios A.

doi:10.3390/en10040430

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…There are non-renewable sources of electricity, which will likely be exhausted at a certain time, among them are the natural gas, oil and hard coal. At the same time, generating electricity from renewable sources is considered an attractive option for the environment [2]. Renewable energies or renewable sources are gaining prominence worldwide and providing clean electricity to the population through technological developments.…”

Section: Generation Of Electricity In the Global Scenariomentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon Footprint of Electricity Generation in Brazil: An Analysis of the 2016–2026 Period

2018

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The present paper aims to evaluate the past and future environmental performance of the electricity generation in Brazil in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Global Temperature Potential (GTP). To that end, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool was used to evaluate the system's environmental performance, based on ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, using the Ecoinvent v 3.3 database. This study provides data on global warming by the GWP and GTP 100 years impact category. The functional unit and reference flow is kWh. The model was applied to the electricity generation in Brazil for the years 2016-2026 using Umberto NXT Universal software. The results indicate that the greatest environmental impacts lie on generation sources such as oil, natural gas, hydropower and hard coal. Carbon dioxide was the main contributor to atmospheric emissions in the life cycle of the Brazilian electricity matrix in 2016 and 2026. The total potential impact (and per kWh) is expected to decrease until 2021. The Brazilian electricity matrix is expected to be less pollutant in terms of carbon footprint until 2021. The study can contribute to directing public policies, promoting development actions and encouraging different electricity matrices.

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Section: Generation Of Electricity In the Global Scenariomentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon Footprint of Electricity Generation in Brazil: An Analysis of the 2016–2026 Period

2018

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“…Furthermore, wave power development is perspective and feasible for several Russian Federation regions (e.g., the Black Sea coast, Russia's Far East coast, Russian Arctic shelve), EU countries [6][7][8] and other parts of the world [9][10][11][12]. Research results and international experience of using wave power plants show [13][14][15] that it is practical to revamp, design and build coast-protecting structures with additional modifications in the form of wave power plants.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing a Simulation Model to Numerically Estimate Energy Parameters and Wave Energy Converter Efficiency of a Floating Wave Power Plant

et al. 2023

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The significance of coastal zone object protection using wave electrical energy complexes (WEECs) is dealt with. The authors suggest using a floating wave power plant (FWPP), which comprises electrical energy functions and provides coastal zone protection. Features of simulating FWPP in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modules are considered. The main simulation stages, construction order, the necessary initial and boundary conditions, calculation objectives and results are described and analyzed. Analysis and adjustment of input parameters (wave amplitude, wave disturbance frequency, FWPP geometric parameters) determining the FWPP fluid flow output parameters (dynamic, total pressure, flow rate, flow velocity) were carried out. Calculation process optimization was carried out by comparing the data obtained using a 2-D solver. The main stages of wave disturbances-with-FWPP-structure interaction have been determined. Epures of flow velocity, pressure, flow path and volume flow rate were constructed and analyzed.

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“…In the work of Alexandros et al [8], it was found that the potential of small hydropower (1-10 MW in this context) in Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated at 21,800 MW and run-ofriver hydropower plants are generally categorized as small hydropower plants [9][10][11][12][13]. Additionally, more particularly in Cameroon, the small hydropower capacity is estimated at 970 MW, according to the UNIDO small hydropower development report [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

LCOE-Based Optimization for the Design of Small Run-of-River Hydropower Plants

et al. 2022

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Run-of-river hydropower plants are a cost-efficient technology that produce a power output proportional to the instantaneous flow of water diverted from the exploited stream by exploiting several mechanical, hydraulic, and electric devices. However, as no storage is available, its design and operation is tailored according to the unpredictability of its power generation. Hence, the modelling of this type of power plants is a necessity for the promotion of its development. Accordingly, based on models from the literature, this study proposes a comprehensive methodology for optimally designed small run-of-river hydropower plants based on a levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The proposed methodology aims at facilitating a faster design for more cost-effective and energy-efficient small hydropower plants. Depending on the average daily flow rates and the gross head of a given site, the model proposed in this study calculates the diameter, thickness, and length of a penstock; it also suggests the optimal selection of a turbine, determines the admissible suction head of a turbine for its optimal implementation, and determines the optimal number of turbines, all in order to minimize the LCOE of the proposed project. The model is tested to design a small run-of-river hydropower plant with a capacity of 6.32 MW exploiting the river Nyong in Mbalmayo. The results confirm the profitability of the investment with an LCOE of around 0.05 USD/kWh, which is the lowest limit value of the LCOE range for small hydropower plants, as presented in the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, assuming a project lifespan of 50 years and a discount rate of 12.5%. These results also show that it may be worth to provide the energy sector with a small hydropower design tool with a graphical interface. In addition, it would be appropriate to use a similar method in an off-grid context where a hydropower plant, with or without storage, is combined with another source to meet the electrical needs of a given population.

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Financial Appraisal of Small Hydro-Power Considering the Cradle-to-Grave Environmental Cost: A Case from Greece

Cited by 12 publications

References 41 publications

Carbon Footprint of Electricity Generation in Brazil: An Analysis of the 2016–2026 Period

Carbon Footprint of Electricity Generation in Brazil: An Analysis of the 2016–2026 Period

Developing a Simulation Model to Numerically Estimate Energy Parameters and Wave Energy Converter Efficiency of a Floating Wave Power Plant

LCOE-Based Optimization for the Design of Small Run-of-River Hydropower Plants

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