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Socio-Technical Viability Framework for Micro Hydropower in Group Water-Energy Schemes

Author

Listed:
  • Kemi Adeyeye

    (Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK)

  • John Gallagher

    (Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, College Green, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Aonghus McNabola

    (Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, College Green, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Helena M. Ramos

    (Civil Engineering, Architecture and Georesources Department, CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Paul Coughlan

    (Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, College Green, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

Most renewable energy (RE) studies focus on technology readiness, environmental benefits and/or cost savings. The market permeation, viability and adoption of RE technologies such as micro hydropower (MHP), however, require the alignment of other interrelated factors, such as the socio-technical, institutional and political dimensions. This is particularly the case where the energy recovery potential in decentralised water networks is being explored as part of a wholesome sustainability strategy by and for individual and communal prosumers. This study employs a socio-technical approach to understand factors that influence the perceived viability and adoption of MHP in group water-energy schemes. Methods included a progressive literature review to formulate a conceptual framework for the implementation of MHP systems. The framework was validated using survey data from representative stakeholders from groups schemes in Ireland and Spain. These stakeholders were sampled and surveyed at the stage of considering the adoption of MHP in their water networks. The findings highlight the push–pull factors and discusses the opportunities and barriers to the adoption of MHP systems. It confirms that the market, institutional and policy context, cost and financial benefits, social support and collaborative services combine to influence the adoption of MHP technology. Thus, a framework for evaluating the socio-technical viability of MHP systems based on these more realistic integrated, multi-dimensional criteria is proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kemi Adeyeye & John Gallagher & Aonghus McNabola & Helena M. Ramos & Paul Coughlan, 2021. "Socio-Technical Viability Framework for Micro Hydropower in Group Water-Energy Schemes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:14:p:4222-:d:593350
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    Cited by:

    1. Marco van Dijk & Stefanus Johannes van Vuuren & Giovanna Cavazzini & Chantel Monica Niebuhr & Alberto Santolin, 2022. "Optimizing Conduit Hydropower Potential by Determining Pareto-Optimal Trade-Off Curve," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Kemi Adeyeye & John Gallagher & Helena M. Ramos & Aonghus McNabola, 2022. "The Social Return Potential of Micro Hydropower in Water Networks Based on Demonstrator Examples," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-21, September.

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