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Small hydro: where do we go from here

Journal Article · · Public Power; (United States)
OSTI ID:7208856
In spite of the high capital investment and long lead time required for conventional large-scale hydroelectric projects, new interest has developed in such nonfuel energy sources as small hydro plants of 5,000 kW or less. There is the possibility in New England alone of tapping 2,600 existing dams that lack generating facilities. Environmental damage from either small-scale power plants or reservoirs would be minimal. Comparisons of new hydroelectric costs with alternative fuels show hydro to be in a poor competitive position at 1976 prices, but rising fuel prices and uncertainties over supplies can reasonably be expected to give hydro the advantage. Possibilities for cost reductions are more favorable in power plant equipment than in the dam or reservoir construction. New concepts include unmanned stations, the application of available equipment design, fail-safe design, and standardized design. An assured Federally coordinated market is needed before industry will initiate this kind of approach. (DCK)
Research Organization:
Acres American Inc., Buffalo
OSTI ID:
7208856
Journal Information:
Public Power; (United States), Journal Name: Public Power; (United States) Vol. 35:4; ISSN PUPOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English