By Megan Dean, Sr. Research Analyst, Zpryme
President Obama set an ambitious goal of 80% renewable energy generation by 2035. Hydroelectric power is a vital ingredient in the renewable energy mix, but frequently has a higher initial investment, which can be up to seven times that of wind farms and twice as much as thermal facilities.
In addition, dams create an environmental impact that influences waterways and wildlife, and has a longer time frame to bring the facility online. Currently there are approximately 2500 electricity producing dams, however there are more than 80,000 non-powered dams that provide services such as navigation and management of the national water supply. Recently a U.S. Department of Energy study identified 54,391 potential sites that could be upgraded to produce hydroelectric power, producing numerous benefits, as demonstrated by several pilot projects that have developed new technology to ease the conversion of existing non-powered dams, further expanding the hydro-electric power in the United States.
Currently, hydroelectric power contributes 7.5% of the nation’s total energy mix and comprises 67% of all renewable energy. These 2500 existing hydroelectric dams produce 78 GW of energy and 22 GW of storage capacity. The Department of Energy study found that converting 100 non-powered dams by adding energy generation equipment could add an additional 15% capacity, without building even one dam. Adding generation capability to existing dams allows the US to take advantage of this untapped resource and expand the existing energy infrastructure. Adding additional hydroelectric power will diversify the energy mix in the US and increase renewable energy generation, as well as reduce carbon emissions.
Most of the identified sites are located in areas that do not have access to other types of renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy. In fact, the DOE report estimates that expanding generation capacity in these areas can provide energy to 4 million homes. In addition, the potential hydro-power produced is both reliable and predictable, and can be analyzed hourly, daily, monthly, and yearly to establish predictable generation schedules, as well as utilized as a storage resource to supplement the existing power structure. Finally, adding generation capability creates jobs, both during the construction phase, and for ongoing operations, and stimulates the economy by developing the country’s infrastructure.
Several firms have been converting non-powered dams into energy producing dams. Hydro Green Energy has conducted 28 projects in 13 states. Each project creates approximately 140 construction and permanent jobs. Hydro Green Energy developed a plug-and-play technology allowing small falls of water (under 30 feet) to be converted into energy producing units. The Department of Energy recognized their success by awarding $1.8 million to HGE, allowing them to conduct further research in converting non-powered dams into energy producing entities.
A second firm, American Municipal Power has converted 6 non-powered dams on the Ohio River creating 350 MW of renewable energy. American Municipal Power is currently installing the largest hydro power conversion in the United States. The Smithland Project is valued at $400 million and has a 72 MW capacity, while creating 400 construction jobs and up to 10 permanent operating positions. Finally, Advanced Hydro Solutions has begun converting an existing dam built in 1942, the Mahoning Creek Dam in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, into a hydroelectric facility. The $12.5 million project has a generation capacity of 6 MW and will produce 20,000 MWh energy yearly, supplying power for approximately 6000 homes.
As the United States looks to diversity its energy portfolio to include larger quantities of renewable energy, converting non-powered dams into energy producing facilities offers tremendous opportunities. Non-powered dam conversion offers numerous benefits because the dams are already constructed, and can thus take advantage of the country’s resources without the cost, expanded time line, and environmental impact of constructing new facilities. In addition, expanding hydroelectric power provides reliable, predictable power, while creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
Several firms have begun converting non-powered dams into energy producing facilities. Hydro Green Energy, American Municipal Power, and Advanced Hydro Solutions have all demonstrated success in adding generation capacity to non-powered dams, both adding energy capacity and further developing the field. As more dams are converted and begin to add energy to the current electrical grid, the US as a whole will further benefit from a varied hydroelectric mix, as well as come closer to the goal of 80% renewable energy generation by 2035.
