SMI continues to lead the way in helping unleash the full potential of hydropower, the original clean energy resource. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced earlier this month it is investing $430 million to upgrade existing hydropower projects across the United States, including several spearheaded by SMI clients. Overall, 293 hydropower projects across 33 states were selected to receive funding to support capital improvements for dam safety, grid reliability, and environmental performance. They are being financed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included a provision on “Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives.” SMI Vice President Jeffrey Leahey supported the work to establish and implement the program and assisted several clients in the application process. He will also be involved in upcoming negotiations with the DOE Grid Deployment Office to administer the programs. Hydropower currently accounts for nearly 27% of renewable electricity generation in the United States, according to DOE. But many facilities are in need of repair and upgrade. “As our earliest form of renewable energy generation, hydropower has reliably kept America running for almost 150 years,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. She added that the new funding “will expand and modernize our hydropower fleet, while protecting thousands of American jobs.” SMI was also pleased to see other clients in the hydropower sector, including Florida Atlantic University and Oregon State University, are among the recipients of $41 million in R&D and testing from the DOE's Water Power Technologies Office. Researchers will develop a real-time wave prediction tool “that can help maximize the power output and efficiency of wave energy converters," simulate and quantify how much power could be captured from ocean currents, develop ocean current prediction tools as well as a 3D model to improve power production forecasting for future deployments of devices. Catch up on these and other SMI developments in the latest issue of A Capitol View: https://lnkd.in/eCAJ5tda
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HYDROPOWER INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES UNTAPPED SAYS REPORT As the world shifts towards cleaner energy solutions, the spotlight often falls on technologies like solar power. However, amidst this transition, there remains an overlooked potential in hydropower investments, according to a recent report. Despite its proven reliability and capacity to provide 96% of the nation's utility-scale energy storage, hydropower is often dismissed as fully capitalized. Contrary to this perception, the report highlights significant untapped potential, especially in smaller projects producing up to 30MW of power. The report, titled "Hydropower Investment Landscape," conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and funded by the US Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), outlines several key findings: • Medium-Sized projects offer significant opportunities: The pipeline for medium-sized projects, with a capacity exceeding 1GW, includes a variety of development options such as capacity additions, non-powered dam retrofits, and hybrid projects combining multiple renewable technologies. • Innovative technologies present opportunities: Modular conduit hydropower, non-powered dam resources, hybrid plant configurations, and closed-loop PSH systems represent avenues for future investment and development. • Investor interest is prominent: Various investor types, including project developers, utilities, venture capital funds, institutional investors, and commercial banks, show interest in different aspects of hydropower projects. Factors such as stable cash flow, scalable technologies, and reduced risk contribute to their investment decisions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eK5zVEKQ #hydropower #hydroelectric #investmentopportunities
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Associate Laboratory Director, Advanced Energy Technologies at Argonne National Laboratory and Senior Scientist at University of Chicago
Strengthening the grid’s ‘backbone’ with hydropower featuring Argonne National Laboratory work by Koritarov, Vladimir, Todd Levin, and Cathy Milostan. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office spotlights impactful Argonne hydropower research in its annual accomplishments report Argonne-led studies investigate how hydropower could help Alaska add more clean energy to its grid, how it generates value as grids add more renewable energy, and how liner technology can improve hydropower efficiency. Three recent studies by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory advance the role of hydropower in driving the clean energy transition. The research explored hydropower’s potential in Alaska, its value to grid operations and its optimal design. DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) recognized this work in its 2022-2023 Accomplishments Report — a compilation of some of the most impactful WPTO-funded hydropower research. The three studies were supported by WPTO’s HydroWIRES Initiative. https://lnkd.in/gCRRxbx5 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), U.S. Department of Energy
Strengthening the grid’s
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Renewables and Clean Power Business Development Wind | Solar | CCGT + CCUS | Energy Storage | Transmission | Global Membership Chair of Boundless@Bechtel -building a community committed to disability inclusion
It is impossible to achieve an efficient, reliable, net zero power grid without combining renewables with large scale, long duration energy storage. This is where ‘Rechargable Water Batteries’ come in. My colleague Chris McMonagle will be discussing the de-risking of these highly complex mega projects that need to form part of the UK’s energy mix.
If you are at the National Hydropower Association's #Cleancurrents2024 conference in Portland, Oregon this week, please give me a shout. I'll in representing Bechtel Corporation at the Waterpower Learning Center on Wednesday at 13:00, presenting on De-Risking Pumped Storage and the International Hydropower Association (IHA)'s guidance note - "Enabling new pumped storage hydropower - a guidance note to de-risk Pumped Storage Hydro investment". The learning session will be introduced by Jon Salomon, PE and followed by Albin Atzmueller. I'll then be in the Panel Discussions Room on Thursday at 11:15 in what will be a great discussion alongside Donald (Don) Erpenbeck, PE, Preston Pierce, and Aleister Hellier, moderated by Kamal Gautam, PhD, PE, PMP, F. ASCE. We'll be discussing U.S. and global construction cost trends in pumped hydro. My colleague Krudo DeJesus will be in the Roundtable Dialogues Room at 15:45 on Wednesday discussing the financing of new pumped storage projects. It is impossible to achieve an efficient, reliable, net zero power grid without combining renewables with large scale, long duration energy storage. This is where ‘Rechargable Water Batteries’ come in. Great to see pumped storage getting the air time it deserves in this important conference.
Industry-first guide charts path to unlock investment in pumped storage hydropower Industry-first guide charts path to unlock investment in pumped storage hydropower
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Let's get some controllable load resource data centers on this while we wait for the power transmission lines.
Liaison Manager within General Manager's Office with responsibility for Corporate Office, Compliance, Aviation, ESG & Government Relations AGM Inc. subsidiary Zijin Mining Group
Gas-to-Energy contractor, Australian firm among four vying to develop Amaila hydropower for Guyana | OilNOW
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Future Opportunities in #HydropowerDevelopment : As the world shifts towards #cleaner #energy solutions, the spotlight often falls on technologies like solar power. However, amidst this transition, there remains an overlooked potential in #hydropower investments, acc. to a recent report which highlights significant untapped potential, especially in smaller hydropower projects producing up to 30MW of power. " #Hydropower Investment Landscape " report conducted by National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL outlines several key findings for #hydropowerdevelopment.: - Medium-Sized projects offer significant opportunities: The pipeline for medium-sized #hydropower projects, with a capacity exceeding 1GW, includes a variety of development options such as capacity additions, non-powered #dam retrofits, and #hybrid projects combining multiple #renewable technologies. -Innovative technologies present opportunities: Modular #conduithydropower, non-powered dam resources, #hybridplant configurations, and closed-loop #PSH systems represent avenues for future investment and development. #Hydropower #Dam #HEPP #HybridPlant #PumpedStorageHydropower #HydroelectricEnergy #HydropowerInvestmentOpportunities #WaterPower International Water Power & Dam Construction https://lnkd.in/eK5zVEKQ
Hydropower investment opportunities remain vastly untapped in US, says new report
waterpowermagazine.com
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The US Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has launched the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN) to connect hydropower technology developers with testing facilities. WPTO is seeking facilities to join HyTN and collaborate with developers to test and advance their technologies toward commercialization. Hydropower generates 28.7% of US renewable electricity and 6.2% of total US electricity. To maximize its impact on the clean energy transition, US hydropower facilities need upgrades and new technologies. Hydropower Testing Network aims to increase access to testing capabilities, boosting the technology readiness of hydropower innovations. HyTN will proceed in three phases: • Testing Facility (Voucher Provider) Selection: Test facilities can apply to join the network and receive funding to provide testing services to technology developers. Applications are open until August 8, 2024. • Technology Developer (Voucher Recipient) Selection and Matchmaking: Technology developers can apply for testing services and, if selected, will be matched with a test facility. Developers will receive up to $250,000 in services for targeted physical testing. This phase opens in fall 2024. • Project Execution: Facilities and developers will determine the scope of work, establish a contract, and begin work. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ep_Vm9c4 #hydropower #hydroelectric #testing
Water Power Technologies Office launches Hydropower Testing Network
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CEO - Grant Writing / Management and other Technical Writing Services at Grant Management Associates
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) today opened applications for the second phase of the Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN), which aims to connect hydropower technology developers to testing capability providers. Hydropower technology developers can now apply to receive testing support from the network of 18 test facilities. Hydropower accounts for nearly 27% of U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation and 5.7% of the country’s total utility-scale electricity generation. However, for this resource to make the most impact in the clean energy transition, U.S. hydropower facilities will need upgrades and new technologies will need to be developed. This requires access to a wide range of testing capabilities to help boost the readiness of hydropower innovations. HyTN’s 18 test facilities currently offer more than 40 capabilities, ranging from hydraulic testing to biological and aquatic testing. WPTO invites for-profit companies, nonprofit research organizations, and academic institutions developing hydropower technologies to apply for testing support. Selected developers will receive vouchers to implement targeted physical testing activities that advance technology readiness. Technologies of interest include but are not limited to: Hydropower powertrain equipment Structures, materials, and repair processes Electrical, electronic, and cybersecurity devices Environmental mitigation technology. Selected developers will be matched with one of their preferred HyTN test facilities. Facilities and developers will then scope and begin testing activities to be carried out over the calendar year. Prospective technology developers should submit their application on the ENERGYWERX page by 3 p.m. ET on October 30, 2024. Please see the ENERGYWERX page for submission details and eligibility requirements.
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The £50 million repowering project by SSE Renewables at the Tummel Bridge hydropower station in Scotland has taken a major step forward with the successful installation and commissioning of the first of two new hydropower turbines. The project will boost the station's output capacity from 34 to 40MW once complete. The original twin 'Camel Back' turbines from 1933 are being replaced with modern, more efficient technology that will extend the plant's working life by at least 40 years. "This is one of the largest investments we've made to our existing hydro fleet in recent times. This project demonstrates our ongoing commitment to invest in hydro power, so we're proud to reach such a significant milestone in the Tummel Bridge Power Station replant," said Neil Lannen, SSE Renewables' Director of Hydro Asset Management. Lannen added, "Hydro power has a vital role to play in our path to achieving net zero carbon emissions in the UK by 2050, and this investment will ensure Tummel Bridge continues to play a crucial role in Scotland's energy mix for generations to come. The project is a perfect example of extending the working life of a station which has successfully generated clean, green energy for around 90 years." SSE partnered with leading firms for the complex project, including principal contractor Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), civil designer Stantec, and turbine manufacturer Voith Hydro. The investment has supported Scotland's supply chain and local jobs. Read more: https://lnkd.in/edt-zPWG #hydropower #hydroelectric #repowering #refurbishment
Tummel Bridge hydropower station repowering: SSE Renewables commissions first new turbine
waterpowermagazine.com
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🌊🔋 Big Investment in Hydropower & Marine Energy! 💧🚀 🌊 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is taking big strides in advancing hydropower and marine energy with a $33 million investment! This funding will support 38 projects aimed at driving innovation in renewable energy, improving grid resilience, and exploring hybrid hydropower solutions. 🔋 With over $8.6 million going towards technical assistance through the HydroWIRES Initiative, industry experts will help unlock the potential of hydropower hybrids and pumped storage systems. Meanwhile, $25 million will fuel research and development across DOE national laboratories, paving the way for breakthroughs in clean energy technologies. 🚀 From hybridizing hydropower with battery storage to developing sustainable solutions for grid stability, these initiatives are critical for building a resilient and renewable energy future. Read the full article from Hydro Review here: https://lnkd.in/dGyW-Pi3 #CleanEnergy #Hydropower #MarineEnergy #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #DOE #HydroWIRES #Sustainability
DOE doles out another $33M for hydropower projects, R&D
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The US Department of Energy's (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has announced an opportunity for hydropower developers, system operators, utilities, and various stakeholders to access technical assistance. This support, facilitated by DOE national laboratories, is geared towards aiding stakeholders in the development of hydropower hybrids and pumped storage hydropower (PSH), with a specific emphasis on assisting in decision-making processes for potential projects. Hydropower plays a vital role in ensuring the stability and reliability of the national grid, especially as it integrates more variable renewable energy sources. Currently, hydropower accounts for 6.2% of total US utility-scale electricity generation and 28.7% of total US utility-scale renewable electricity generation. Pumped storage hydropower, in particular, stands out as the largest contributor to energy storage in the US, representing 96% of utility-scale energy storage capacity as of 2022. This technical assistance aims to provide industry stakeholders with greater insight into the value of hydropower hybrid configurations, which combine hydropower with another electricity generation or energy storage resource. Technical assistance would provide access to national laboratory hydro hybrids sizing, planning, and operations tools to evaluate hydropower hybrid opportunities. It will also provide PSH developers and other stakeholders with national laboratory expertise and capabilities to help them address valuation hurdles in PSH project development. Technical assistance will provide access to national laboratory tools, such as the PSH Valuation Tool, and other modeling and analysis capabilities to evaluate PSH development opportunities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/emV8-DaV #hydropower #hydroelectric #pumpedstorage
US DOE opens technical assistance program to boost hydropower project development
waterpowermagazine.com
Regulatory Specialist II/Policy Administrator at Grant County Public Utility District
1moCongrats Jeff and SMI on this important work!