Hydropower has long been a vital source of renewable energy, contributing to global energy security and sustainability. While traditional large-scale hydropower plants are well-known, a lesser-explored opportunity lies in “hidden hydropower”—untapped energy potential in existing water infrastructure such as pipelines, irrigation systems, and wastewater channels. Recent research highlights how these resources can play a pivotal role in advancing the energy transition.
What is Hidden Hydropower?
Hidden hydropower refers to energy harvested from water systems not originally designed for power generation. These include:
- Pressurised systems: Freshwater distribution, cooling systems, and irrigation networks.
- Hydro storage: Existing reservoirs and unused cavities for pumped storage solutions.
- Unpressurised systems: Open channels, wastewater systems, and shiplocks.
By integrating small-scale turbines or energy harvesters into these systems, previously wasted energy can be captured and converted into electricity.
The Benefits of Hidden Hydropower
- Low Environmental Impact:
- Utilises existing infrastructure, avoiding large-scale construction and minimising ecological disruption.
- Decentralised Energy:
- Provides clean, localised power, particularly valuable for rural and off-grid areas.
- Improved Efficiency:
- Reduces energy losses in water systems by harnessing excess pressure and flow.
- Flexibility:
- Hidden hydropower can complement other renewables like solar and wind, providing consistent energy and balancing grid fluctuations.
Innovative Applications
- Micro Turbines in Pressurised Systems:
- For example, installing turbines in water pipes can recover energy from pressure regulation valves, turning excess pressure into electricity.
- Wastewater Energy Recovery:
- Municipal wastewater flows offer untapped hydropower potential, as demonstrated in systems generating electricity from treated water discharge.
- Pump-as-Turbine Technology:
- Cost-effective solutions for small-scale power generation in agricultural and industrial applications.
Challenges and Solutions
- Technical Barriers:
- Integrating turbines into complex water systems requires robust, compact designs. Advances like modular turbines and hybrid systems are addressing these challenges.
- Regulatory Hurdles:
- Streamlining permitting processes and offering incentives for utilities can accelerate adoption.
- Economic Viability:
- While initial investments may be high, long-term savings and energy generation make these projects economically sustainable.
A Path Forward
The potential of hidden hydropower to contribute to the global energy transition is immense. By leveraging existing water infrastructure, it provides a sustainable, low-impact energy source that supports local economies and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
This innovative approach exemplifies how creative engineering can uncover renewable energy opportunities in unexpected places, driving progress toward a cleaner, greener future.
Source
Opportunities of hidden hydropower technologies towards the energy transition, Energy Reports, 2024-12
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