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Identification of Potential Locations for Run-of-River Hydropower Plants Using a GIS-Based Procedure

Author

Listed:
  • Vincenzo Sammartano

    (Department of Civil, Environmental, Aerospace Engineering, and Materials, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

  • Lorena Liuzzo

    (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy)

  • Gabriele Freni

    (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy)

Abstract

The increasing demand for renewable and sustainable energy sources has encouraged the development of small run-of-river plants. Preliminary studies are required to assess the technical and economic feasibility of such plants. In this context, the identification of optimal potential run-of-river sites has become a key issue. In this paper, an approach that is based on GIS tools coupled with a hydrological model has been applied to detect potential locations for a run-of-river plant. A great number of locations has been analyzed to identify those that could assure the achievement of different thresholds of potential power. The environmental and economic feasibility for small hydropower projects in these locations has been assessed and a multi-objective analysis has been carried out to highlight the most profitable configurations. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has been calibrated to simulate runoff in the Taw at Umberleigh catchment (South West England). The results showed that, in the area of study, different locations could be selected as suitable for run-of-river plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincenzo Sammartano & Lorena Liuzzo & Gabriele Freni, 2019. "Identification of Potential Locations for Run-of-River Hydropower Plants Using a GIS-Based Procedure," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:18:p:3446-:d:264883
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Bekker, A. & Van Dijk, M. & Niebuhr, C.M., 2022. "A review of low head hydropower at wastewater treatment works and development of an evaluation framework for South Africa," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    3. Susanna Grasso & Pierluigi Claps & Daniele Ganora & Andrea Libertino, 2021. "A Web‐based Open‐source Geoinformation Tool for Regional Water Resources Assessment," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 35(2), pages 675-687, January.

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