Small hydro offers utilities big benefits

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Public Power; (United States)

OSTI ID:6430023

Dimond, A

In fiscal year 1978, the Department of Energy spent $10-million for research, development, and demonstration of small hydroelectricity (defined as power produced by generators with a maximum capacity of 15,000 kW, at dams no higher than 65 feet). In the first phase of its program, the Department has awarded contracts totaling $2.9-million for 57 feasibility studies of proposed hydroelectric projects, and a majority of these contracts have been awarded to publicly owned systems. In the second phase, DOE will help fund hydroelectric projects at existing dams where positive feasibility assessments have already been made. Development of the hydropower potential at existing hydropower and non-hydropower dams could result in the generation of almost 160 billion kWh of electricity per year and save 727,000 barrels of oil per day. This is 7 1/2 times the savings associated with the President's goal of solar heating 2.5-million homes by 1985.

• OSTI ID: 6430023
• Journal Information: Public Power; (United States), Journal Name: Public Power; (United States) Vol. 36:6; ISSN PUPOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130100 -- Hydro Energy-- Resources & Availability
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
296001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power Generation-- (-1989)
AVAILABILITY
CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
FLORIDA
GREAT LAKES REGION
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
ILLINOIS
LOW-HEAD HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
MIDWEST REGION
MINNESOTA
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NEBRASKA
NORTH AMERICA
NORTH ATLANTIC REGION
OHIO
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
PUERTO RICO
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
SOUTHEAST REGION
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA
WASHINGTON
WEST INDIES
WESTERN REGION