Revisiting the hydropower assessment of the economically effective part of the river flow of Kabardino-Balkaria

Abstract

Subject. This article deals with the issues related to the economic potential of hydropower engineering. Objectives. The article aims to define the boundaries of the economically justified growth in the production of own electric energy, taking into account the high variability of the natural discharge regime of the mountain zone. Methods. For the study, we used mathematical and analytical methods, and the method of natural analogues. Results. Based on the analysis of the impact of the transformation of mountain landscapes on channel processes, the article determines the economically efficient part of the river flow with the highest possible accuracy, designates the most favorable control sections of watercourses, and proposes energy-technological schemes for the implementation of their properties. Conclusions. The low economic efficiency of hydroelectric power plants’ operation in mountainous regions is due to an abnormally growing discrepancy between the phases of climate variability and the correlated water rate in the control points of rivers. Linking several hydroelectric power plants with the optimal interaction mode will increase the economic efficiency of energy output and reduce energy loss.