Small hydro project potential at existing dams

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Mil. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6584450

Janopaul, R N; Willer, D C

A recent Corps of Engineers study found that of the 50,000 dams in this country, only 800 are being used to produce electrical energy. Some of these 50,000 dams once produced power, but as the initial equipment wore out and alternative sources of electrical energy became cheaper, it was not economically feasible to refurbish them. The Corps believes that if all of the dams which could produce power were reactivated, or if new generating capacity were installed, they could supply a total of 54,600,000 kW and generate almost 160 billion kWh. It would take 265 million barrels of oil each year to generate that amount of power. The total energy shortage can never be solved with these small hydro projects. More massive projects are needed. However, many cities and public utilities could install some generating units at existing dams and produce energy at less cost than that of alternatives. These are the advantages: the natural resource is already there, and it is a renewable one. There is usually no environmental impact--no air or water pollution. And the process is clean, quiet, small scale, and unobtrusive, and frequently takes place near a population center, eliminating the need for long or high-voltage transmission lines. Technology of generating hydroelectricity exists, and in highly sophisticated form. For small hydroelectric projects at existing dams, generation can easily be achieved in five years from the conception date.

• Research Organization: Tudor Engineering Co., San Francisco
• OSTI ID: 6584450
• Journal Information: Mil. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Mil. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 70:457; ISSN MILEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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