Hydropower has long been a key player in the renewable energy sector, providing a reliable and sustainable source of power. But as climate change accelerates, the need to make hydropower systems more efficient, flexible, and environmentally friendly is more urgent than ever. Two recent studies, one focused on Japan’s flood-prone regions and another on small hydropower plants (SHPs) in Turkey, offer exciting insights into how advanced technologies and smart design can optimise hydropower for a changing world.
Smarter Hydropower Operations in Japan
In Japan, where managing both energy demand and flood risks is critical, a new approach to hydropower is being explored. The research focuses on optimising the operation of multi-purpose dams using ensemble rainfall prediction models. These models predict rainfall across various scenarios, allowing dam operators to manage water flow more intelligently. By using real-time data to pre-release water in anticipation of heavy rains, the system can reduce flood risks while still generating sufficient electricity. This innovative method showed that by combining predictive weather models with optimised dam operations, maximum floodwater releases could be reduced by as much as 50%, significantly lowering the risk of flooding downstream while improving energy efficiency.
This approach not only protects communities from extreme weather events but also increases the reliability of hydropower generation by ensuring that dams are operated at peak efficiency. As the study demonstrates, combining climate forecasting with advanced hydropower management could offer a dual benefit: safeguarding lives and infrastructure while contributing to clean energy production.
Transforming Small Hydropower Plants in Turkey
Meanwhile, in Turkey, researchers have developed a framework to improve the design of run-of-river (RoR) small hydropower plants, which generate electricity by harnessing the flow of rivers without requiring large reservoirs. While RoR plants have a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional hydropower dams, they face challenges in terms of efficiency and financial viability, especially in the face of climate change and hydroclimatic variability.
The study introduces a new method that optimises turbine design and plant operations by considering future water flow scenarios. The HYPER-FORD toolbox developed by the researchers uses advanced modelling to account for different climate futures, ensuring that small hydropower plants can remain efficient and financially viable, even in unpredictable conditions. This new method could reduce the need for large, disruptive dams and encourage more environmentally friendly energy projects, especially in emerging economies where hydropower potential remains largely untapped.
Important Implications
Both studies underscore the evolving role of hydropower in a world where climate change and energy demand are increasingly intertwined. By integrating advanced weather forecasting, real-time data analysis, and optimised plant designs, hydropower can remain a key player in the transition to renewable energy while addressing environmental concerns.
These innovations show that hydropower doesn’t have to come at the cost of ecosystems or communities. Instead, smarter, more flexible systems can balance the need for clean energy with the demands of a changing climate. This new approach offers a promising path forward for countries seeking to meet their renewable energy targets without sacrificing environmental integrity. As the world continues its quest for sustainable energy solutions, these advancements in hydropower are a reminder of the potential for old technologies to be transformed by new thinking.
Sources
- Study on the Optimization of Multi-Purpose Dam Operations Using Ensemble Rainfall Prediction, Yuki OKAMOTO, Takahiro KOSHIBA, Tomohiro TANAKA and Tetsuya SUMI, Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute and Aichi Hydroelectric Power Centre, Chubu Electric Power Company, Inc
- Robust design of small hydropower plants in a changing world, Veysel Yildiz, University of Sheffield Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, 2024-07-15
Boˆreal 