Producing more power from existing hydro resources

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Hydro Review; (United States)

OSTI ID:6933258

O'Connor, J

Rehabilitation is big business in the North American hydropower industry. Hydropower producers are replacing or rehabilitating turbines, uprating old hydro generators, and installing advanced control systems. Estimates indicate that as much as 15,000 MW of new electricall generating capacity can be obtained by rehabilitating existing hydro facilities. The cost of developing this capacity is far less than for building new power projects. In most rehabilitation projects, the existing dam, powerhouse, and access roads are retained; only new mechanical and electrica equipment is required. As a result, these projects often can be accomplished for about half the cost of developing a new thermal plant to provide an equivalent amount of capacity. This new power does not contribute to atmospheric pollution, cause increases in operations and maintenance costs, or create uncertainties about fuel sources. The Bureau of Reclamation, the Salt River Project, the New York Power Authority, and the Tennessee Valley Authority all are either in the midst of major hydro rehabilitation projects or gearing up for future work. This activity indicates a healthy market of hydro products and services for years to come.

• OSTI ID: 6933258
• Journal Information: Hydro Review; (United States), Journal Name: Hydro Review; (United States) Vol. 12:1; ISSN HYREE8; ISSN 0884-0385
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130500* -- Hydro Energy-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
BUSINESS
CAPACITY
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COST
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
INDUSTRY
MACHINERY
MAINTENANCE
MARKET
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NEW YORK
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
POWER
POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RETROFITTING
ROADS
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA