Hydropower Upgrades to Yield Added
Generation at Average Costs Less Than 4 cents per
kWh - Without New Dams
Nov 04, 2009 - U.S.Department of Energy
$30.6 million Recovery Act investment by the Department
of Energy highlights the additional potential of hydro
power
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven
Chu today announced up to $30.6 million in Recovery
Act funding for the selection of seven hydropower
projects that modernize hydropower infrastructure
by increasing efficiency and reducing environmental
impacts at existing facilities. The expanded hydro
generation projects have estimated incremental costs
of less than 4 cents per kWh on average.
The selections announced today will deploy innovative
technologies such as high-efficiency, fish-friendly
turbines, improved water intakes, and advanced control
systems in order to increase power generation and
improve environmental stewardship. Under Secretary
Kristina Johnson made the announcement while visiting
Voith Hydro Inc.’s manufacturing plant in York, Pennsylvania.
“One of the best opportunities we have to increase
our supply of clean energy is by bringing our hydropower
systems into the 21st Century,” said Secretary Chu.
“With this investment, we can create jobs, help our
environment and give more renewable power to our economy
without building a single new dam.”
DOE sought cost-shared projects that upgrade existing
hydropower facilities without requiring significant
civil works modifications to dams, allowing for them
to be developed quickly to help create jobs and stimulate
the local economy. The solicitation sought two classes
of projects: those larger than 50 megawatts (MW) of
installed capacity and those of 50 MW or smaller.
The selected projects will increase generation by
an estimated 187,000 MWh/year, or enough to meet the
annual electric usage of more than 12,000 homes. This
incremental generation is virtually carbon free, and
it represents a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions
of over 110,000 tons per year compared to electricity
from the average U.S. grid. Additionally, upgrading
existing hydro facilities in this way is a very inexpensive
way to provide renewable energy: the estimated cost
of the added generation is less than 4 cents per kWh
on average, placing incremental hydro among the most
inexpensive sources of renewable energy.
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