Increase energy independence and energy security.
Increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix.
May increase seasonal electricity deficit due to variations in discharge levels.
May decrease daily electricity deficit by adapting to the load demand profile.
Reduce global CO2 emissions.
Increase pressure on aquatic life by hampering fish migration. Though fish by-passes can alleviate the pressure more easily in the absence of a large dam.
Likely to reduce the cost of the energy transition.
No flash flood risk as with hydro dams
Relatively low upfront investment costs.
Run-of-the-river hydro power refers to the utilisation of the kinetic energy contained in a river current. The technology makes use of a naturally occurring head (the difference between the upstream and downstream water levels) that is often <30 m; no dam is used to increase the head, though special channels may be created and in some cases an upstream storage pond may improve operation.
The water is directed through turbines inserted in the river current that are connected to a generator to produce electricity.
In the absence of water storage capacity upstream, water is directed through a by-pass in times of excessive flow in the river upstream of the installation.
• The most suitable locations for run-of-the-river hydropower have long been used.
• The output of run-of-the-river hydro power schemes is a function of river flows and hence rainfall. This is in great part unpredictable at a weekly and monthly level making their economics and availability uncertain.
Next tables contain the assumptions that have been introduced in the Hydro river model of the calculator.
Capacity factor | ||
---|---|---|
2011 | 2035 | 2050 |
0.507 | 0.507 | 0.507 |
Electricity production distribution | |
---|---|
Winter | Summer |
33% | 67% |
Emissions | |
---|---|
2011-2050 | |
CO2-eq. emissions [kgCO2-eq./kWhe] | 0.00354 |
Deposited waste [UBP/kWhe] | 0.280 |
Click for detailed description
MIN Value: 3.8 GW[2], It corresponds to the installed power in 2011.
MAX Value:
2035 | 4.5GW | The potential for 2035 is estimated to be 18.73 TWh, produced by 4.22 GW (Capacity factor = 0.507). |
---|---|---|
2050 |
[1] IEA 2012, Technology Roadmap: Hydropower
[2] Statistique des aménagements hydroélectriques de la Suisse