Hydropower: What you should know about this Largest Source of Renewable Energy

“Lechfall, Weir. Photo by [Hans]( https://pixabay.com/photos/lechfall-weir-lech-feet-waterfall-2738883/)”

Hydropower, which in a nutshell entails utilizing the power of flowing water to generate power, has been part and parcel of humanity for millennia. In fact, hydropower is prized as being the center of innovation, propelling industries and civilization all around the world. Hydropower holds a significant role in renewable energy discourses, given its reputation as the largest source of renewable electricity. What is more, the development of its infrastructure to fit the modern times can play an even bigger role in achieving carbon neutrality. This is extremely important as the world stands at a critical juncture where there is a dire need to transition to cleaner energy sources to address the ills of climate change. In this article. We dive deep into the enchanting history of hydropower, its role in the modern energy mix, and its potential to lead the way toward achieving net carbon zero.

What is Hydropower and How It Works

Hydroelectric power is produced using diversion structures or dams to alter the natural flow of a water body. In a hydropower plant, water flows through a pipe, which pushes against the blades in the turbines. The turbines spin to power a generator, which in turn produces hydropower. The generated energy is then fed into an electrical grid to power businesses, industries, and homes.

Hydropower is energy generated from moving water. For this reason, hydropower plants are often located either on or next to a body of water. Important factors like the volume of water flow and the elevation, are crucial to note when talking about hydropower generation. The larger the water flow and the higher the elevation, often referred to as the head or fall, the more electricity that can be generated.

The History of Hydroelectric Power

In talking about the history of harnessing the power of water to perform work for humans, it is crucial to draw the curtains far back to when humans began taking an interest in utilizing the power of flowing water to generate mechanical energy. Historical evidence shows that from the Greeks to the Egyptians, humans have been exploiting water to perform work for them for years. Thousands of years back, humans used hydropower to move paddle wheels on rivers, which would then grind grain. It would only be a matter of time until humankind pushed the boundaries of their knowledge, alongside trial and error, to explore superior possibilities of the power of flowing water.

Early evolution of the modern hydropower turbines commenced in the mid-1700s, spearheaded by a French military engineer – Bernard Forest de Bélidor, who published groundbreaking works titled Architecture Hydraulique that covered everything from engineering mechanics, pumps, seas work, harbors, mills, and waterwheels. This was followed by the invention of a dynamo powered by a water turbine in 1880, which provided arc lighting to a theatre in Michigan. In 1881, the same technology was deployed in a flour mill to offer street lighting in Niagara Falls, New York.

Following the successful application of direct current technology, alternating current technology breakthroughs would follow. Alternating current technology, which is still widely applied today, supported power transmission over long distances. This paved the way for the first commercial installation of the 3 phase alternating current hydropower plant in 1893 – the Redlands Power Plant, California. By the 1900s, the 3-phase AC power was now confirmed as the primary power source for the world.

Hydroelectricity’s Latest Breakthroughs

Following the 1900s, hydropower infrastructure, has undergone massive strides and leaps, yet more opportunities remain. Some of the most crucial innovations in hydropower include the following:

Innovations in Tidal Power

The use of tidal and wave power presents a brighter future in hydropower generation. Though at their infancy, tidal and wave power support the generation of energy from ocean currents and waves, which can be extremely helpful to coastal communities. Their predictability in relation to wind and sun makes their future as a source of hydropower very promising. Organizations like Eco Wave Power and Orbital Marine Power are leading the charge in tidal power generation.

Small-scale Hydropower Plants

The truth is that hydropower-generating projects can be quite an expensive undertaking – audits from China’s mega Three Gorges Dam, which cost a whopping 254.2 billion Yuan, confirms this fact. Funding for such mega projects can present challenges at different levels.

For this reason, small-scale hydropower plants are showing promise in providing inexpensive, clean power, particularly in rural areas and in the developing world. The principle behind how they generate power is the same as that of a typical hydropower plant, only that in this case, it is achieved at a smaller scale. Feasibility studies show that mini hydropower plants deliver a cost-effective solution with reduced impact on the environment. As such, integrating these systems produces valuable, clean electricity at reduced investment costs.

Novel Hydropower Technologies

Another significant innovation presently observed has to do with the development of novel technologies that introduce efficiency in hydropower generation. Whether through innovation in generator or turbine designs, the future of hydropower generation looks bright. Specifically, the use of permanent magnet devices, which transform mechanical energy using magnets into electrical energy, amplifying the efficiency of the power system. These innovative devices are also prized for their high reliability and low maintenance. In addition to PMG innovations, strides in turbine technologies are setting new standards in how we harness power from water. Concretely, organizations are pushing the frontiers of innovation to create fish-friendly turbine concepts that include technologies like water wheels, vortex turbines, and Archimedes hydrodynamic screws, among others, that are not only efficient in energy production but also protect local fish fauna. Organizations like DIVE-Turbine and ANDRITZ HYDRO are pioneering the way in fish-friendly turbine design concepts.

Artificial Intelligence in Hydropower

Another exciting innovation in hydropower development is the integration of Artificial Intelligence. In the current Technology Age, AI is taking hydropower to a new height, especially in resource management. Some organizations in China are now using AI to optimize inspection and maintenance plans using smart systems. These systems collect data, analyze it, and perform diagnosis on the status of the plant, including offering recommendations for maintenance. These state-of-the-art systems are proving to be extremely helpful in reducing energy inefficiencies during production, cutting down times, and reducing production costs in the form of repairs, thanks to their predictive maintenance advantages.

With AI developments expected, it is only a matter of time before more advanced systems are invented, with the potential to take hydropower to new frontiers.

Hydropower Development Challenges

Despite hydropower’s position as a key renewable energy source, challenges remain in its development on the economic, social, and environmental fronts. From old infrastructure, which causes inefficiencies in energy production and whose technologies impact local aquatic ecosystems, to displaced communities and altered food systems, many questions emerge about its sustainability. Other challenges have to do with the high costs of infrastructure, considering new investment in large-scale plants, and conflict of political and economic interests.

The future of hydropower development appears promising. However, more research and effort are needed to avert the challenges presented above.

Conclusion

While hydropower evolution dates back to the ancient days, this world’s largest renewable energy source presents many possibilities for the present and the future. Technological development in this sector is showing more promise in transforming how we leverage flowing water for energy.

As mentioned earlier, hydropower development has challenges. From environmental concerns to conflicting interests and obsolete technologies resulting in downtimes, there is a need to find a balance in harnessing the power of flowing water.

With more and more innovation expected in hydropower development, it is crucial to advance environmental stewardship. That way, hydropower can continue being a pioneer in leading the charge for powering our societies, while achieving carbon neutrality.