Hydroelectric Power Generation Feasibility Study

High demand for electricity and escalating costs for power production has increased the economic feasibility of building small scale hydroelectric facilities. The objective of this project was to reassess the finding of the previous studies regarding the feasibility of bypassing pressure regulating valves at Metropolitan Water District (MWD) service connections to Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and instead use energy recovering hydroelectric turbines to produce energy while also regulating water pressure and flow.

Eighty-two turnouts, belonging to MWDOC Member Agencies, were evaluated based upon pre-determined evaluation criteria including:

  • Future projected flow
  • Available head, and
  • Location.

Of the 82 turnouts, 75 were eliminated after evaluation.

Hydroelectric power production and associated carbon offset was calculated for the remaining 7 turnouts.  The annual power production at the 7 locations range from 410,000 kWh to 800,000 kWh and the relative carbon offset ranged from 110 to 216 tons CO2.

Electricity buy back programs and green house gas offset credits can be used to offset the costs of hydroelectric facilities. 

Furthermore, GHD has developed a tool which expedites the evaluation process in a cost effective and concise format. 

 

Water

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As the world’s population grows and our standards of living improve so does our need to manage the water in our environment. We need to maximise its application for human well-being and minimise impact on the environment. GHD engineers, scientists and planners can provide sustainable, cost-effective and innovative water solutions.  We assist water utilities and others who provide water services to optimise infrastructure and adapt to environmental changes in ways that balance the needs of our communities. And we enable clients to meet compliance, improve profitability and maintain their commitment to sustainability.

GHD continually expands the boundaries by engaging in research, enhancing existing systems and strategies, evaluating new procedures and transferring technology from other industries into the water industry. We work with our clients through all project stages planning, investigation, design, delivery, operation and renewal.

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Water Sciences

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Our reliance on the ecosystem services provided by marine, freshwater and estuarine environments demands a proactive approach to our sustainable use of these assets.

Our water sciences services integrate scientific knowledge with  engineering and economic services to provide innovative, cost-effective  management solutions.

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