Western Area Power Administration’s Post

What trends are revealed by 2023’s most popular content? At the end of each year, I like to reflect back on all of the information (news stories and feature articles) provided on Hydro Review and see what was of most interest to the site’s global readership of hydropower professionals. This introspection always reveals some interesting trends, and this year is no exception. Click here to view last year’s recap http://ow.ly/PgSU1057ffS

VETT technology is making exciting headway in Brazil, the second largest producer of hydroelectricity worldwide and where hydropower corresponds to 62% of the electricity mix. There are predominantly low head resources remaining across regions that are very flat, ideal conditions for the deployment of small run-of-river, very low-head hydro harnessing natural drops. This minimises environmental and social impacts while providing decentralised energy for local consumption, reducing grid constraints. Find out more in our latest blog, VETT in Brazil #hydropower #sustainable #cleanenergy

Soil Solutions can significantly contribute to Northam Platinum's initiatives in developing an 80 MW solar power farm at its Zondereinde operation in Limpopo and the upcoming large wind farm in the Western Cape. Here’s how Soil Solutions can assist in these projects: Soil Stabilization for Solar and Wind Farm Foundations: The construction of solar panels and wind turbines requires stable and durable foundations. Soil Solutions can provide soil stabilization techniques to ensure the longevity and stability of these foundations, enhancing the structural integrity of the solar panels and wind turbines. Access Road Construction and Maintenance: The construction and maintenance of solar and wind farms require reliable access roads for equipment and personnel. Soil Solutions can construct and maintain all-weather access roads using their innovative solutions, ensuring safe and efficient access to the project sites. Dust Control during Construction: The construction activities for solar and wind farms can generate significant amounts of dust, which can impact the efficiency of solar panels and the health of workers. Soil Solutions offers environmentally friendly dust control measures to minimize dust generation during the construction phase. Erosion Control: Both solar and wind farm locations, particularly in areas with variable weather conditions, are susceptible to soil erosion. Soil Solutions can implement erosion control measures to protect the site and surrounding environment, preventing sediment runoff and soil loss. Environmental Sustainability: With Northam Platinum’s commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations, Soil Solutions can ensure that the construction and operation of the solar and wind farms are conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. Their solutions are designed to be eco-friendly, aligning with Northam’s sustainability goals. Expert Consultation: Soil Solutions brings expertise in soil stabilization, dust control, erosion control, and environmental sustainability to the table. They can provide valuable consultation services to Northam Platinum, identifying potential challenges and offering effective solutions to ensure the success of the solar and wind farm projects. By leveraging Soil Solutions’ expertise and innovative solutions, Northam Platinum can enhance the construction, efficiency, and sustainability of its renewable energy projects. This collaboration can contribute to the company’s efforts in providing secure and sustainable power while minimizing environmental impacts and supporting South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy sources. https://lnkd.in/dXAQ_v8S #renewableenergy #solarpower #windpower #cleanenergy #roadinfrastructure #roadconstruction #soilstabilization #dustcontrol #erosioncontrol #dustfree #maintenancefree #operationalefficiency #environmentalsustainability #environmentfriendly

Looking to significantly reduce your hydropower unit's downtime and life cycle costs while increasing reliability, safety, integrity, and efficiency? Join our partners Brüel & Kjær Vibro LIVE webinar tomorrow to learn 3 keys to unlock optimal machine health for hydropower: https://hubs.ly/Q02KpGfh0 #bkvibro #vibration #conditioninmonitoring #techstarsolutions #webinar

👀Tired of looking for something that’s right in front of you? That’s what it’s like to overlook #Hydropower. 🌊Carbon-free water power is responsible for one-third of all #renewableenergy, and pumped hydro-storage remains the most widely deployed large-scale mechanical energy storage system. 🔍Want to learn more about hydropower’s role in the energy transition? Check out the National Hydropower Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting, informing, and advocating for waterpower as a premier carbon-free renewable energy resource. 

Discussion on "True Cost of Hydropower: Case Studies from Tarbela & Neelum-Jhelum Project". Discover the unseen impacts on ecosystems, communities & economies.

What is REAP? - The Rural Energy for America Program? This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. If you are in Iowa and seeking more information about REAP, how to apply and services that make it simple and easy to apply for this financial assistance contact Rabe Solar at : https://lnkd.in/gsr7k67f Rabe Solar, with locations in Blairstown and Vinton, also provides contracting services as licensed electricians to install the equipment and get you going. What is REAP? – which is 50% of costs paid for by a grant with an additional low interest loan for an additional 25% of costs providing total guaranteed funding of 75% towards each project a Return on Investment can be realized within 12 months. https://lnkd.in/gGwQzUEz How may the funds be used? Funds may be used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, such as: Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels). Geothermal for electric generation or direct use. Hydropower below 30 megawatts. Hydrogen. Small and large wind generation. Small and large solar generation. Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation. Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as: High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC). Insulation. Lighting. Cooling or refrigeration units. Doors and windows. Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots. Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor. Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment. Energy Efficiency Improvement applications must contain an Energy Audit, or Energy Assessment (depending on Total Project Costs) that complies with Appendix A to RD Instructions 4280-B Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing. #iowa #iowacity #iowastate #cedarrapidsiowa #cedarrapids #cedarfalls #desmoines #desmoinesiowa #dubuque #farming #farminginnovation #solar #solarenergy #solarpower #solarenergie #solarpanels #solarenergysolutions #hydrothermal

The PNW relies more on hydro power than any other source, and generally treat it as base load. Low water years like we are facing this year will significantly impact available power from this resource. We need to close the gap on baseload power sooner rather than later. That means more rapid investment and deployment of other sources including non-hydro long term energy storage, possibly delaying desired wind downs of traditional carbon emitting sources, and a new level of public awareness campaigns for not just energy conservation but awareness beyond ideology based advocacy.

Exciting strides in #Innovation and #cleanenergy! Check out this video on #solarenergy generated on Reservoir waters, which also focuses on delaying the evaporation process and reducing its impact. A great initiative that isn't afraid of reservoirs being dried up. We too have Canals, Long Rivers, need to start implementing, if already started, please post it here. Thanks Watch here: https://lnkd.in/dJKxrcZ2

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Celebrating 75 years of hydropower excellence There is still time to get your nominations in for our listing of the most influential figures in hydropower - past and present. This special focus will be included in our May 2024 edition - which marks the 75th year of publication for International Water Power & Dam Construction. Do you know someone whose contributions have reshaped the landscape of hydropower? Nominate them for inclusion in our prestigious list!Whether they're pioneers who laid the foundation for today's advancements, innovative thinkers driving cutting-edge technologies, or champions advocating for sustainability and environmental stewardship, we want to recognise their impact on this vital industry. To submit your nominations, kindly send your entries to our Editor, Carrieann Stocks, via email at carrieann.stocks@progressivemediainternational.com or simply reach out to her here on LinkedIn. In your nomination, please briefly explain why you believe your nominee deserves to be recognised. Whether it's their groundbreaking research, transformative projects, or unwavering dedication to advancing hydropower, every contribution counts! #waterpower #hydropower