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✨BHA Annual Conference 2024: Hydropower Innovations Panel✨ The BHA is delighted to finalise our Hydropower Innovations panel for our Annual Conference on the 26th and 27th November Chair: Tom Clegg, Fichtner Stephen Crosher, RheEnergise Lessons from building RheEnergise’s first-of-a-kind HD Hydro project RheEnergise’s High-Density Hydro® is a solution that can address the UKs energy storage needs at the speed and scale the climate crisis demands. By activating 100 of the 6,500 identified sites, we can unlock 5.0 GWh of additional pumped-hydro like energy storage by 2040. This talk will discuss the progress of our nearly completed demonstration project, our future vision, and the steps we’re taking to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future. Joanna Gray, Jacobs Jacobs’ role in the development of Tidal Range: Levelised Cost of Energy and innovation progression Jo's talk covers Jacobs’ role in the development of tidal hydropower, sharing the findings of the levelised cost of energy study and an update on our very low head tidal turbine innovation progress. Arne Kollandsrud, Tidetec Tidal enhanced marine pumped storage. Arne's talk on "Tidal Enhanced Energy Storage" will focus on the superior efficiency of Tidetec's turbine technology, which achieves over 70% roundtrip efficiency, as supported by simulations conducted by Dr. Ilias Zilakis. In tidal applications, roundtrip efficiency exceeds 140%, outperforming pumped hydro, which achieves 60-80% efficiency only at heads above 40 meters. Tidetec's solution is especially effective below 40 meters, utilizing its four-quadrant function. As renewable energy sources increase intermittency, market demand rises for energy storage solutions. Factors affecting the levelized cost of energy (LCoE) include surplus energy availability, local demand for balancing power, and additional services like wind farm support. Neil Beaumont, Scottish Water Horizons Driving Innovation in Hydro Power This session will delve into Scottish Water Horizons role in developing and delivering Hydro Power projects across Scottish Water’s asset base. It provides an in-depth look at innovative technologies and low carbon techniques used to identify and advance projects across a diverse setting. From industrial sites like Waste Water and Water Treatment Works to locations such as rivers and reservoir Inlets. The session will also include case studies of several projects across Scotland which are paving the way in innovation in terms of generating Hydro Power from Waste Water, siphon Fed Turbines and Water Powering Waste Water sites and so on. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the strategies and ideas that drive sustainable development within these variable environments. Click the link below to find out more and register 👇 https://lnkd.in/eXpqGs32 Kate Gilmartin Will Gallimore lesley trigell Rhianna Rose MEng CEng FICE Steve Isaac Stuart Clark MSc MIESPeter Robinson CEng FICE AECOM Emtec Energy

In 2019, WPTO of USA launched the HydroWIRES (Hydropower and Water Innovation for a Resilient Electricity System) Initiative to understand, enable, and improve hydropower and pumped storage hydropower’s contribution. Research efforts under the HydroWIRES Initiative are designed to benefit hydropower owners and operators, independent system operators, regional transmission organizations, regulators, original equipment manufacturers, and environmental organizations by developing data, analysis, models, and technology. Cost of electricity in Alaska is high, especially in remote communities. Because of the high transportation costs for diesel fuel, which is mostly used for electricity generation there. In recent years, utilities have been investigating smaller PSH designs, with sizes on the order of MWs or less, because such projects can be integrated into hybrid projects that include smaller wind and solar installations. The small PSH projects are typically envisioned with a modular design that employs standardized and prefabricated components to reduce the overall costs. While the specific capital costs of larger PSH projects are very competitive—the costs of smaller PSH designs requires examination. Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables(HOMER) was used to analyse the viability of small PSH projects in rural communities. After PSH resource mapping identified a total of 192 remote communities with potential sites suitable for small PSH in Alaska, the project team employed several filtering criteria to identify a small number of the most promising sites. This resulted in 18 communities with potential for PSH development. Then by using HOMER, the team developed a set of scenarios to investigate whether small PSH projects would provide technically feasible and economically viable capacity additions for rural communities.  After examining several potential designs for PSH projects, the team selected a small closed-loop PSH design (<1 MW) that uses pump-as-turbine and either reservoirs or steel tanks for both the upper and lower reservoirs 1) large reservoirs that could provide 10-day energy storage 2) smaller storage tanks, providing 10 hours of energy storage 3) 4-hour energy storage provided by lithium-ion batteries. Each scenario was also analysed for two charging options: (a) only wind and solar energy are used for charging or (b) diesel generation and renewable are used for charging. Finally, the team completed a site-specific case study for a community the cost viability of PSH with a proposed run-of-river hydropower plant. The results indicate that, based on their high investment cost, small PSH are unlikely to be economically viable for applications in small remote communities. The analysis showed that, for Alaska, PSH projects with 10-hour energy storage are likely to be more economical than those with larger reservoirs providing 10 days of energy storage for the remote communities.

What Role Can Pumped Storage Hydropower Play in Clean Energy Transition? Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is becoming increasingly pivotal in the global push towards ambitious decarbonization goals. It not only provides a reliable and scalable energy storage solution but also offers the flexibility required to accommodate the growing presence of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind. To achieve net-zero targets by 2050, substantial investments and the accelerated deployment of PSH are crucial. Current assessments suggest that doubling existing hydropower capacity necessitates an estimated $3.7 trillion in cumulative investments. However, with technological advancements and supportive policies, this rapid expansion is feasible, promising a resilient and sustainable energy landscape. For policymakers, the imperative is clear: harnessing the proven capabilities of PSH is fundamental for establishing a stable, low-carbon energy framework. This strategy not only tackles the climate emergency but also ensures energy reliability and economic robustness. Today marks the release of a new guide designed to mitigate investment risks in PSH projects. Titled “Enabling New Pumped Storage Hydropower,” this resource provides recommendations to assist decision-makers in navigating the development and financing of PSH projects.

China builds the World's Largest Hydro Solar Power Station. China is a global leader in developing renewable energy, and the Kela photovoltaic (PV) power station is adding to the country’s energy mix as the world’s largest hybrid solar-hydropower plant. The Kela station idea was formed by the Design and Research Institute of Power China Chengdu in 2016. Yalong River Hydropower Development, also known as Yalong Hydro, began the station’s construction in July 2022 to expand the renewable energy base of the Yalong River basin. The plant commenced operations on 25 June.  The solar-hydropower project has an installed capacity of 1 GW and will have a generation capacity of 2 GWh annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1.6 million tonnes per year. The planned total installed capacity of the hybrid project is expected to be 3 GW. This station will play a key role in China’s commitments to net zero. As the first phase of the Lianghekou hydropower plant, the station’s operations are just the beginning for the Yalong River basin, a centre for clean energy in China.  “China is leading the way in renewable energy. We congratulate Yalong Hydro for this deployment of the world’s largest hybrid solar-hydropower plant,” says Eddie Rich, the International Hydropower Association’s Chief Executive Officer. “Hybrid PVs have huge capacity to contribute to meeting global energy demands while making use of hydropower’s flexibility and storage capabilities. This is a major step in the right direction for meeting net zero targets.” As highlighted in the 2023 World Hydropower Outlook hybrid projects like this showcase one of the roles sustainable hydropower plays in the energy transition - its flexibility and storage capacity support the development of other renewables. Given that solar is reliant on the time of day, combining it with hydropower enables 24-hour electricity, guaranteeing reliable, safe, and low carbon power systems. In addition to providing flexibility to the power grid, the project will support the development of nearby industries such as agriculture, tourism, and transportation – a key theme of the World Hydropower Outlook.  The deployment of this buoyant technology has been on the rise in the past five years, but its development continues at an early stage with Asia-Pacific being the largest and fastest growing region in the world, and China as the leader.  “We are delighted to see the Kela power station begin producing electricity for Chengdu citizens who suffered from power shortages during last summer’s heatwave. The Kela PV station connected into the Lianghekou hydropower plant as a virtual generator breaks ground for the clean energy base building in China,” He Shengming, Deputy General Manager, Yalong Hydro said about the Kela power station’s opening.

Hydropower: A Key Driver of the Energy Transition Hydropower, or hydroelectric energy, has long been a cornerstone of the renewable energy landscape. As one of the oldest and most reliable sources of clean energy, it is playing a pivotal role in the global energy transition. Here's why hydropower is crucial for a sustainable energy future: 1. Clean and Renewable Energy Source Hydropower generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing or falling water, producing zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This makes it a reliable, renewable energy source that directly supports decarbonization goals. 2. Energy Storage and Grid Stability Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH): Often referred to as the "battery of the grid," pumped storage allows excess energy from renewables like wind and solar to be stored during periods of low demand and released when needed. Grid Flexibility: Hydropower can rapidly adjust its output, helping to stabilize grids with high penetration of intermittent renewables. 3. Scalability and Longevity Hydropower plants are versatile and can range from small-scale projects powering rural communities to large-scale dams supplying cities. Additionally, many hydro facilities have lifespans exceeding 50 years, offering long-term energy security with relatively low operational costs. 4. Multipurpose Benefits Hydropower projects often serve more than one purpose: Irrigation and Water Supply: Supporting agriculture and urban water needs. Flood Control: Managing water levels to prevent flooding. Recreational Opportunities: Lakes and reservoirs created by dams can boost local economies through tourism and fishing. 5. Economic Impact Hydropower projects generate jobs in construction, operation, and maintenance while driving local development through infrastructure improvements and electricity access. 💡 Hydropower’s Role in the Energy Transition As we aim to achieve net-zero emissions, hydropower complements other renewable sources, making it indispensable for a resilient and reliable energy grid. With its ability to provide baseload power, store energy, and support grid stability, hydropower is essential in the shift toward a low-carbon future. 📢 ILSAS: Supporting the Energy Transition At ILSAS, we believe in empowering professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive change in the energy sector. Our courses cover energy transition strategies and other renewable energy solutions. 📞 Ready to make an impact? Contact us at 019-3965782 (Ir. Ts. Khairul Fikri) to learn more about our energy transition programs. Together, let’s harness the power of innovation for a sustainable tomorrow. Check out our brochure link here: https://lnkd.in/gvnRaYVd Image source: https://lnkd.in/gZ3qfQEX #ThisIsILSAS #CorporateAcademy #CorporateTraining #CapabilityDevelopment #PeopleAndTalent #tnbilsas #tnb #EnergyTransition #Hydropower #CleanEnergy #Sustainability

Exploring benefits of pumped storage hydropower in Alaska. Researchers have explored the integration of pumped storage hydropower to store excess energy from renewable resources across Alaska. Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have revealed their findings from a study called The Prospects for Pumped Storage Hydropower in Alaska, which identified 1,800 potential sites suitable for development of closed loop systems with a total energy storage capacity of about 4TWh. Alaska has a unique electric power system that consists of two larger transmission systems (the Railbelt and Southeast Alaska) and more than 150 small, isolated ones serving remote communities. The Railbelt and Southeast Alaska systems are not connected to one another through transmission links and due to the large distances between cities in Alaska, most of the remote systems are expected to remain isolated for the foreseeable future, essentially continuing to operate as isolated microgrids. Study results The results show that pumped storage capacity is part of the optimal capacity expansion solution in all analysed scenarios, with modelling selecting between 300MW and 600MW of new capacity in the different scenarios. One of the key findings of the Argonne Low-Carbon Electricity Analysis Framework that was used, is that the Railbelt system will need both short- and long-duration energy storage in the future. In addition to new pumped storage capacity, which was assumed to provide ten-hour energy storage, the optimal expansion solutions for all analysed scenarios also included new battery capacity, assumed to provide short-term (four-hour) energy storage. A mix of short- and long-duration energy storage can balance the operational variability of wind and solar generation and provide reliability and backup capacity for longer periods when little wind and solar generation is available or during outages of conventional generating units and/or transmission lines. TNi Energy-BESS 1.20MW 10HR LDES, we've innovated a groundbreaking method that repurposes recycled lead-acid batteries, extending their life span to 25 years for C1 to C20 Energy Storage purposes. Previously, the industry lacked a safe and environmentally conscious alternative to lithium | sodium-ion batteries. However, our proprietary technique reveals that lead-acid batteries are not only SAFER but also 60-75% more cost-effective than their hazardous counterparts. Made in the USA #TNiEnergy,#10HRLDES,#ELDES,#C1toC20,#nebulositycloud, #BESS,#C3Energy,#Energy, #ZEROemmissions, #ZEROcarbon, #energytransistion, #LeadAcid Battery, #windpower, #solarpower, #VPP, #MicroGrid, #DERM, #HydroPower 

Strengthening the grid’s ‘backbone’ with hydropower featuring Argonne National Laboratory work by Koritarov, Vladimir, Todd Levin, and Cathy Milostan. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office spotlights impactful Argonne hydropower research in its annual accomplishments report Argonne-led studies investigate how hydropower could help Alaska add more clean energy to its grid, how it generates value as grids add more renewable energy, and how liner technology can improve hydropower efficiency. Three recent studies by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory advance the role of hydropower in driving the clean energy transition. The research explored hydropower’s potential in Alaska, its value to grid operations and its optimal design. DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) recognized this work in its 2022-2023 Accomplishments Report — a compilation of some of the most impactful WPTO-funded hydropower research. The three studies were supported by WPTO’s HydroWIRES Initiative. https://lnkd.in/gCRRxbx5 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), U.S. Department of Energy

Exploring benefits of pumped storage hydropower in Alaska. Researchers have explored the integration of pumped storage hydropower to store excess energy from renewable resources across Alaska. Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have revealed their findings from a study called The Prospects for Pumped Storage Hydropower in Alaska, which identified 1,800 potential sites suitable for development of closed loop systems with a total energy storage capacity of about 4TWh. Alaska has a unique electric power system that consists of two larger transmission systems (the Railbelt and Southeast Alaska) and more than 150 small, isolated ones serving remote communities. The Railbelt and Southeast Alaska systems are not connected to one another through transmission links and due to the large distances between cities in Alaska, most of the remote systems are expected to remain isolated for the foreseeable future, essentially continuing to operate as isolated microgrids. Study results The results show that pumped storage capacity is part of the optimal capacity expansion solution in all analysed scenarios, with modelling selecting between 300MW and 600MW of new capacity in the different scenarios. One of the key findings of the Argonne Low-Carbon Electricity Analysis Framework that was used, is that the Railbelt system will need both short- and long-duration energy storage in the future. In addition to new pumped storage capacity, which was assumed to provide ten-hour energy storage, the optimal expansion solutions for all analysed scenarios also included new battery capacity, assumed to provide short-term (four-hour) energy storage. A mix of short- and long-duration energy storage can balance the operational variability of wind and solar generation and provide reliability and backup capacity for longer periods when little wind and solar generation is available or during outages of conventional generating units and/or transmission lines. TNi Energy-BESS 1.20MW 10HR LDES, we've innovated a groundbreaking method that repurposes recycled lead-acid batteries, extending their life span to 25 years for C1 to C20 Energy Storage purposes. Previously, the industry lacked a safe and environmentally conscious alternative to lithium | sodium-ion batteries. However, our proprietary technique reveals that lead-acid batteries are not only SAFER but also 60-75% more cost-effective than their hazardous counterparts. Made in the USA #TNiEnergy,#10HRLDES,#ELDES,#C1toC20,#nebulositycloud, #BESS,#C3Energy,#Energy, #ZEROemmissions, #ZEROcarbon, #energytransistion, #LeadAcid Battery, #windpower, #solarpower, #VPP, #MicroGrid, #DERM, #HydroPower 

Investments in marine energy and hydropower technologies have long lagged behind wind, solar, and other energy generation and storage technologies. But SMI is partnering with some of the leading water power innovators this legislative session to sharpen the policies and budgets that could unleash what is widely regarded as an untapped clean energy resource. Legislation being drafted by Rep. Nanette Barragán of California, a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, would authorize $1 billion for research and demonstration, to conduct additional assessments of resource locations, improve the permitting process, and grow the marine energy workforce. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a research arm of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), estimates that marine energy resources could provide 2,300 terawatt hours per year, which would amount to more than half of all U.S. electricity generated in 2021. “Safely utilizing just one-tenth of these resources equals 5.6% of total electricity generation that year and could power over 22 million homes,” according to the National Hydropower Association. The Multi-Year Program Plan published by DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office estimates that “up to 50 GW of marine energy capacity could be added in the U.S. by 2050.” “The United States has significant untapped water power resources that can be safely captured and converted into clean, renewable electricity,” nearly three-dozen House members wrote to leaders of the House Committee on Appropriations in May. They called for “robust funding” for the Water Power Technologies Office, to the tune of $225 million in fiscal 2025, to “speed up technology commercialization, help provide low cost, clean power for our grid, reduce harmful emissions, and create good-paying jobs.” The money would “support research, development, and deployment of marine energy technologies, new innovative hydropower, and pumped storage,” they added. “Marine energy is a real opportunity,” says SMI VP Paul Gay. “However, the name ID for the sector is low. This leads to lower levels of federal funding that is critical to commercializing domestic advanced water power technologies, whether that be for hydropower or marine energy.” One major push is to allow DOE to award project funds over multiple years, “with a focus on more mature systems nearing market adoption or to advance, improve, or complete ongoing testing and validation awards,” Paul reported. “We are also working to allow the new DOE Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to invest in marine energy technology deployments.” One of the most promising efforts is the PacWave project at Oregon State University, an open ocean wave energy testing facility. The SMI client is gearing up for installation of subsea and terrestrial power cables this summer. https://lnkd.in/gxAUprXG #marinenergy #hydropower #waterpower #cleanenergy #climatechange #energyindependence

Pumped-storage hydropower, or simply pumped hydro, is set to play an increasing role in Southeast Asia’s energy transition. This mature technology for large-scale energy storage can bolster grid reliability as fossil fuel generators are phased out in favor of renewable sources. Pumped-storage hydropower is a method of storing hydroelectric energy, used by electric power systems for load balancing. It works by pumping water from a lower-elevation reservoir to a higher one, storing energy that can later be used during periods of high electrical demand. Low-cost surplus off-peak electric power typically powers the pumps, and the stored water is released through turbines to generate power when needed. Pumped hydro projects rely heavily on specific geographical conditions, presenting obstacles in site selection and land acquisition. Many potential sites are situated in rural areas lacking necessary infrastructure like transmission lines and road access for construction. These deficiencies can lead to increased costs and project development timelines, straining project finances. Despite these challenges, pumped hydro projects offer significant socio-economic advantages to regions where they are deployed. Aside from ensuring a stable electricity supply, they can spur infrastructure growth, improving accessibility in the area.