Restoration of North American Hydroelectric Plants on the Rise

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The fleet of hydroelectric generating plants in the United States has begun to age. Although hydropower plants require relatively little maintenance, it is necessary that periodic maintenance occurs to maintain reliability, consistency and safety during daily operation. As these hydro plants age, it has become necessary to upgrade the stationary and rotating parts of the equipment, rather than simply treat normal wear and tear. In some cases, it is necessary to modify or completely replace equipment.

Currently, there are more than 400 active hydroelectric generation projects totaling $109 billion under development in the U.S. and Canada.

Click on the image at right to view a chart showing the breakdown of hydroelectric projects by market region in the U.S. and Canada.

To help meet the increasing demand for electricity, plant operations are monitored to examine the efficiency of hydro operations. In some instances, rehabilitation efforts are instituted to increase efficiency and raise generating capacity.

The Wanapum Hydropower Station in Beverley, Washington, owned by Grant County Public Utility Company, provides an example of how upgrades and modifications can improve the performance of hydropower plants. Through rehabilitation and restoration, this facility was able to increase its efficiency 3% by replacing one turbine. There were other modifications, including the installation of smaller turbine blades, changing the gradient for a new runner, increasing the number of wicker gates, and aligning the blades. Overall generating capacity at the facility increased 15%. In addition to increased power and efficiency, the new turbines were modified to help protect fish as they pass through the turbine. Wanapum originally came online in 1963. The upgrades probably will extend the life of the facility another 50 years.

IIR's Renewable Energy Database provides extensive coverage on the wind energy, geothermal, hydroelectric, landfill gas-to-energy and utility-scale solar power plants throughout North America, with expanding coverage across the world.

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