Construction Of Hydropower Plants Research Articles

A Score-Based Evaluation Model for Rehabilitation of Existing Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant Construction

As the proportion of new and renewable energy increases, power control demands are becoming more frequent due to variability in power generation. As a complementary means against this, the pumped storage hydropower plants (PSHP) are attracting attention as energy storage systems (ESS), but it has high construction costs. Therefore, this study aims to improve the economic feasibility by developing the evaluation model of the existing infrastructure into an upper/lower dam suitable for PSHP. The concept of upper dam capacity is newly defined, and the evaluation index is constructed using normalization. A new evaluation system is presented for five factors: environment, stability, energy, capacity, and economy. Finally, it is tested in the pilot area in Korea. Several candidates, including the PSHP in operation, are found to have been distributed with higher scores. These results will help to satisfy the selection of candidates during the preliminary feasibility study phase, and programming them will enable more accurate and rapid assessment.

The response of diatom community to small hydropower plant and fish farm

Some of the direct and indirect environmental impacts are related to the construction of fish farms (FFs) and small hydropower plants (SHPs) around the world. Diatom communities are one of the best bioindicators of various pressures like eutrophication, chemical and organic pollution. The main objective of this study was to examine the influence of SHP and FF on diatom community and water quality of the Prištavica River in Serbia. A total of 184 epilithic diatom taxa from 55 genera were identified. Sites after the FF and SHP are distinguished by the same dominant species in each season. Compared to the other sites, species diversity in summer was lower at site after SHP. In terms of spatial dynamics, four groups of taxa are distinguished. Some centric taxa were associated with sites downstream the FF and SHP. Altered physical and chemical parameters were documented at sites downstream of constructions. Water quality of the Prištavica River ranged from high to bad depending on diatom index, season, and sampling site. A greater difference in diatom index values was found at sites upstream and downstream of the FF, than at sites upstream and downstream of the SHP.

Contribution to the knowledge on butterflies and moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) of the upper course of the Neretva River, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The results of a biodiversity survey on butterflies and moths from the upper course of the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina are presented. This survey was conducted between 27.6. and 3.7.2022, at seven localities between Krupac and Glavatičevo. In total, 251 species were recorded, ten of which are first records for the country: Limnaecia phragmitella (Cosmopterigidae), Crambus uliginosellus (Crambidae), Philereme vetulata (Geometridae), Micropterix myrtetella (Micropterigidae), Ponometia candefacta (Noctuidae), Crassa unitella (Oecophoridae), Rhigognostis hufnagelii (Plutellidae), Acrobasis repandana (Pyralidae), Tinea trinotella (Tineidae), Acleris forsskaleana (Tortricidae). Two species, namely Diacrisia purpurata (Erebidae) and Aristotelia decurtella (Gelechiidae) were rediscovered after more than 100 years. Three are on the list as Protected Species of Flora and Fauna of the Republic of Srpska and six on the European Red List of Butterflies: five having the status »near-threatened«, and one the status »vulnerable«. In this contribution, we discuss the problem of losing important habitats due to planned construction of mini hydropower plants in the region.

Assessing the impact of river connectivity on fish biodiversity in the Yangtze River Basin using a multi-index evaluation framework

The Yangtze River Basin, the world's third-largest river basin and a hot spot for global biodiversity conservation, is facing biodiversity crisis caused by reduced river connectivity. The deterioration arises from four dimensions: longitudinal, lateral, vertical and temporal. However, limited research has quantified the spatiotemporal connectivity of the Yangtze River Basin and further evaluated the consequent impact on fish biodiversity. In our study, a multi-index evaluation framework was developed to assess the variations in the four-dimensional connectivity of the Yangtze River Basin from 1980 to 2020, and fish biodiversity affected by reduced connectivity was detected by environmental DNA metabarcoding. Our results showed that the Yangtze River Basin suffers from a pronounced connectivity reduction, with 67% of assessed rivers experiencing deteriorated connectivity in recent years. The lost fish biodiversity along the river reaches with the worst connectivity was likely attributed to the construction of hydropower plants. The headwaters and the downstreams of most hydropower plants had a higher fish biodiversity compared with reservoirs. The free-flowing reaches in the downstream of the lowest hydropower station, had higher lotic fish abundance compared with that in the upstream. As for the entire Yangtze River Basin, 67% of threatened fish species, with 70% endemic species, were threatened by reduced river connectivity. Our result indicates that the massive loss of river connectivity changes the spatiotemporal patterns of fish community and threatens protected fish. More effective measures to restore the populations of affected fish in rivers with reduced river connectivity are required.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND OTHER NON-PROFIT IMPACTS OF MOUNTAIN STREAMS USAGE AS RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

<p>The main subject of this manuscript is mountain streams used by construction of small hydro power plants. The motivation for this research stemmed from a number of conflicting opinions about the justification of the construction of small hydropower plants and their facilities. This research encompasses different methods for the analysis of the justification of the construction of a small hydropower plant, starting from tradition in correlation with water mills, through a techno-economic approach to a complex multi-criteria research model. All methods are represented by objective formulas.</p> <p>World experiences are also presented, through the level of potential utilization, compared to the degree of development. The possible positive and negative impacts of the construction of such facilities for the exploitation of the potential of small watercourses were analyzed. After the conducted research, and with respect to the principle of minimum energy, which has become the paradigm of modern civilization, it can be concluded that using the potential of small watercourses by building small hydropower plants belongs to the domain of using renewable energy sources and that it is a function of sustainable development.</p> <p>Decision makers are recommended to exclusively apply a multi-criteria methodology, which can holistically include all technical, economic, environmental, social and other non-profitable but important impacts.</p>

Protecting the Last Wild River in Europe from Hydropower Development in Albania: An Environmental Movement Strategy in a Flawed Democracy

In 2014, as anti-hydropower plant protests in Albania intensified, an initiative to protect rivers in the Balkans known as “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” launched the Vjosa River Campaign in Albania to save what is known as the “Last Wild River in Europe.” The Campaign’s main goals consisted of preventing the construction of hydropower plants and turning the Vjosa into Europe’s first “Wild River National Park,” a status that would severely limit future development. But, this Campaign would not be easy. Albania is a highly centralized, fragile democracy with a long history of political oppression and economic struggle whose top-down government is still generally inaccessible to public interest groups or influence. The country relies entirely on hydropower for its electricity production, leading to high uncertainties in energy security, especially in face of increasing periods of drought. The Campaign organizers and activists would have to strategize carefully and creatively to navigate the Albanian political landscape to reach its goals. What did they do? What worked or didn’t work along the way? Finally, would hydropower, considered a renewable energy source with low carbon emissions, enhance the country’s energy security? Or, would hydropower development on the Vjosa just not be worth it as a national and cultural treasure is destroyed alongside local livelihoods related to fisheries, agriculture, and tourism? Upon reading this case study, readers will learn about how environmental campaign organizers and activists mobilize in the face of the complexities of hydropower development in Albania, a struggling democracy.

Economically optimal hydropower development with uncertain climate change

Climate change affects the planning, construction, operation and management of hydropower plants in various ways. Evaluating hydropower generation with nonstationary climate changes is important for planning electric power infrastructure development. For a new hydropower plant with climate change, specifying too large a reservoir may result in excessive investment if the future becomes drier, while too small a reservoir may cause insufficient utilization of hydropower resources. Whether to build a new hydropower station at once or build it dynamically in stages over time is challenged by uncertainty in future conditions. This study proposes a planning method for developing a flexible hydropower construction schedule to adapt to long-term uncertain hydrology with climate changes. Projected uncertain nonstationary hydrology scenarios were developed first, and Bayes’ theorem is used to update the probability of each scenario based on observed hydrologic conditions over time. A profit maximization model integrates stochastic dynamic programming and linear programming for a cascade hydropower system to evaluate hydropower plant expansion and how to build it dynamically with uncertain nonstationary climate conditions. In this, stochastic dynamic programming evaluates and prescribes inter-stage reservoir upgrades and linear programming prescribes inner-stage hydroelectric power generation. The case study of Jinsha cascade hydropower system in China’s Yunnan province illustrates the method. The intensity and trend of climate change effects on streamflow directly affect the optimized results. If streamflow decreases in the future, the best strategy is to build a small reservoir initially, without future changes. If streamflow increases in the future, it is better to build a small reservoir first, and gradually increase capacity according to observed changes in streamflow and economies of scale in capacity construction. If there is no clear trend in streamflow change, it is also better to build a small reservoir at first, then decide whether to expand the reservoir according to future observed changes in streamflow. This method with uncertain nonstationary climate change and upgrading adaptively with observed hydrology usually produced better results than optimization for a deterministic nonstationary hydrology.

Ecological assessment of the world's first shaft hydropower plant

Efforts to increase the share of renewable energies and to reduce the negative ecological impacts of hydropower use are driving the development of novel hydropower technologies. Innovative hydropower concepts and turbine types should cause less fish damage and be more ‘eco-friendly’ than conventional hydropower plants. In this study, extensive ecological monitoring at the world's first innovative shaft hydropower plant (SHPP) was carried out. The monitoring included the assessment of the corridor usage of downstream moving fish, turbine-related fish injuries and mortality, as well as changes in aquatic community and habitat associated with hydropower plant construction in a before-after comparison. A large proportion of downstream moving fish was not prevented from turbine passage by the installed physical barrier, resulting in mortality rates up to 44% that can be similar to those at conventional Kaplan turbines. Strike and pressure changes (decompression rate up to 377 kPa/s) during turbine passage were identified as a major cause of mortality. In addition, significant differences in the aquatic community and abiotic habitat characteristics between upstream and downstream sides of the dam could be detected, indicating an interruption of the river continuum. The findings of this study indicate that the theoretical advantages of the SHPP concept of optimal fish protection from turbine passage and a low disruption of the serial continuity could not be realized in practice. Further research is needed to optimize this concept to better prevent fish from turbine entrainment, improve bypass efficiency and reduce the effects of the disruption of serial continuity.

Technical and ecological characteristics of utilizing the hydroelectric power potential of HPS “Gornja Drina” in Republic of Srpska

Water has been extensively used as a renewable energy source. Many countries around the globe generally satisfy their demand for energy from precisely this energy source. In many countries of the world, the production of electricity is increasingly being created by hydropower capacities. Global demands for electricity are looking forward to being satisfied mostly from renewable energy sources, especially when it comes to hydropower. This paper presents the planned production of electricity in Republic of Srpska in 2022. The technical characteristics of HPS “Gornja Drina” are also considered, as well as the possible environmental impacts that would occur with the construction of new hydropower plants.

Hydropower Plant Construction and Resettlement in Nghệ An, Vietnam

The global challenge of moving toward a low-carbon energy system heightens the tension between states’ economic development efforts and environmental concerns. In Vietnam, increasing energy demand has led to a boom in hydropower development in recent decades. For local communities, dam construction has brought displacement, involuntary resettlement, deteriorating income and living standards, and rising poverty. However, from the central government’s perspective, the negative local impacts of hydropower projects are negligible compared to their national benefits. This study uses the construction of the Bản Vẽ hydropower plant to illustrate how government entities expand their control of villagers’ livelihoods in the name of environmentalism. Spanning nearly twenty years, our case study reports on changes in the Vietnamese approach to authoritarian environmentalism. The authorities initially promoted voluntary relocation with a brochure depicting the high quality of resettlement areas. When the remaining locals hesitated, because they had heard that the promised new homes had various problems, the authorities forced them to move. Overall, the case study shows the Vietnamese authorities deploying different instruments to implement their will, engaging in little meaningful dialogue with local people. Moreover, when locals sought alternative income from acacia plantations, the authorities cited environmental concerns to justify confiscating their forest holdings.

საქართველოს ცალკეულ რეგიონებისათვის, ლოკალური ოროგრაფიის როლის შეფასება, ატმოსფეროს მიწისპირა ფენის ჰაერის ტურბულენტური ნაკადის დინამიკაში

There are many micro-regions on Earth in which the study of evolution hydrometeorological processes is relevant and has great practical value. Such regions include various caverns, highways, open mining areas, Hydropower plant construction areas. To study local events in such areas in order to set the assignment special theoretical and model approach is given in the paper. The mathematical justification of this approach is presented also case studies and calculation procedures are given. The materials presented in the article will explain, substantiate and give practical value to the physical and climatic features that characterize the local area and are useful for ​​interest persons involved

Air pollution a hidden scourge to cardiovascular health: insight from top polluted cities of Pakistan.

Dear Editor, A range of disorders impacting the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels, are referred to as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This mainly includes coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, and aortic atherosclerosis1. According to the WHO, 17.9 million deaths were due to CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of global deaths2. There are nine determining modifiable risk factors of CVD, namely smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, psychosocial factors, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and apoB/apoA1 ratio3. Air pollution (AP) is known to be another risk factor and is associated with premature deaths in CVD patients in primarily low- and middle-income countries4. Furthermore, new research indicates that prolonged exposure to AP may raise the mortality risk of CVD patients5,6. It has been shown in a few studies that AP increases the chance of developing CVDs such as myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, or cardiac arrest5,6. Particulate matter measuring 2.5 µm in diameter or less (PM2.5) and particulate matter measuring 10 µm in diameter or less (PM10) concentration are used to determine AP. As per WHO 2021 Air Quality guidelines the highest recommended average annual emission level for PM2.5 was 5 μg/m3 and for PM10 was 15 μg/m37. A study by Choi et al.5 showed, in patients, a higher concentration of PM10 was associated with an increased risk of death due to CVD. Furthermore, a study was done by Pope and colleagues, showing a statistical association between PM2.5 and overall cardiovascular mortality. The risk of myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, or cardiac arrest death was increased in polluted areas6. Recently Pakistan ranked as the third most polluted country globally based on an annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2021, by the WHO guidelines. 2021 average PM2.5 concentration in Pakistan is 13.4 times the WHO annual air quality guidelines7,8. The US Air Quality Index declared Lahore an unhealthy city for sensitive groups to live in8. According to WHO data from 2016, about 19% of all deaths in Pakistan were due to heart diseases. However, in only 3 years, a 29% increase occurred in deaths caused by CVDs9. This shows a dire need to take measures to mitigate AP and prevent an increase in cardiovascular patients and cardiovascular mortality in the country. CVD patients need multifactorial interventions, especially more intensive measures to modify individual cardiovascular risk factors with diet, drugs, exercise, weight management, complete smoking cessation, and avoidance of secondhand smoke, or combinations thereof10. A concerted effort should be made by the government to educate healthcare providers and at-risk patients alike about the potential health hazards of elevated AP levels through awareness campaigns. Real-time air quality information should be available in local and national media for people as implemented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency which provides air quality forecasts and reports for particle pollution available in different cities10. This will inform people to wear masks more often in areas badly affected by AP. Furthermore, government authorities should set stringent National Air Quality standards to lower PM2.5 concentration and take measures to reduce such as but not limited to, restricting open burning of waste and regulations to mitigate emissions from vehicles and factories. The government should make policies to reduce the use of fossil fuels for energy and replace it with increased construction and use of solar power and hydropower plants. Pakistan needs to protect its vulnerable population from AP-associated CVDs, otherwise, the death rate through CVDs could increase from the already appalling 29% in the near future. HIGHLIGHTS Multiple studies have associated air pollution (AP) with an increased risk of CVDs and CVD-associated mortality. The mortality rate in Pakistan has seen a 29% increase over three years due to CVDs. This article calls out the Government and respective authorities to take precautionary measures as constantly striking AP may appall the CVD associated mortality in the near future. Ethical approval Not applicable. Sources of funding None. Authors’ contribution S.T.R. and A.I. conceived the idea. S.K., U.N., H.u.H., I.U., and M.S.A. collected the data. S.T.R. and M.S.A. analyzed and interpreted the data. I.U. and S.T.R. did write up of the manuscript. M.S.A. reviewed and revised the manuscript for intellectual content critically. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript. Conflicts of interest disclosure The authors declare that they have no financial conflict of interest with regard to the content of this report. Research registration unique identifying number (UIN) None. Guarantor Muhammad Sohaib Asghar. Provenance and peer review Externally peer reviewed, not commissioned.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR CONTROL SMALL HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS

The problem of providing cheap electricity to both industrial enterprises and settlements has been and remains very relevant. More than 1 million people live in decentralized power supply zones. This is especially important for the remote areas of southern Kazakhstan, where there is no developed power transmission network, and the population receives electricity for 3-4 hours a day from a diesel-electric power station (DPP). The construction of small hydroelectric power plants (SHPPs) can change the living conditions of these people, ensure the energy security of the regions and contribute to the development of the economy. At present, when solving problems related to the reconstruction and construction of new small hydropower plants, it is necessary to apply inexpensive and effective solutions for automation and remote control of power plants without the constant presence of maintenance personnel. To effectively control and protect SHPs, a relatively large amount of functionality must be provided compared to larger power plants. A standardized intelligent electronic device (IED) can provide autonomous operation and prioritize safe water management. The IED shall be compact and integrated with the control of electrical and mechanical elements, including the water supply, communication, monitoring and protection system for small hydro power plants.

Impacts of existing and planned hydropower dams on river fragmentation in the Balkan Region

The Balkan region has some of the best conserved rivers in Europe, but is also the location of ~3000 planned hydropower dams that are expected to help decarbonise energy production. A conflict between policies that promote renewable hydropower and those that prioritise river conservation has ensued, which can only be resolved with the help of reliable information. Using ground-truthed barrier data, we analysed the extent of current longitudinal river fragmentation in the Balkan region and simulated nine dam construction scenarios that varied depending on the number, location and size of the planned dams. Balkan rivers are currently fragmented by 83,017 barriers and have an average barrier density of 0.33 barriers/km after correcting for barrier underreporting; this is 2.2 times lower than the mean barrier density found across Europe and serves to highlight the relatively unfragmented nature of these rivers. However, our analysis shows that all simulated dam construction scenarios would result in a significant loss of connectivity compared to existing conditions. The largest loss of connectivity (−47 %), measured as reduction in barrier-free length, would occur if all planned dams were built, 20 % of which would impact on protected areas. The smallest loss of connectivity (−8 %) would result if only large dams (>10 MW) were built. In contrast, building only small dams (<10 MW) would cause a 45 % loss of connectivity while only contributing 32 % to future hydropower capacity. Hence, the construction of many small hydropower plants will cause a disproportionately large increase in fragmentation that will not be accompanied by a corresponding increase in hydropower. At present, hydropower development in the Balkan rivers does not require Strategic Environmental Assessment, and does not consider cumulative impacts. We encourage planners and policy makers to explicitly consider trade-offs between gains in hydropower and losses in river connectivity at the river basin scale.

Energy Management Systems (Enms) Reforms of Georgia

Two important laws adopted by the Parliament of Georgia are one of the major steps made towards approximation with the European Union. Georgia has taken some steps to get closer to EU standards, including in the energy sector. Law on Energy includes many aspects that correspond to the new model of the market and related relations. Law of Energy Efficiency of Buildings along with a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has many other positive effects, including employment growth, development and innovation of technologies in the construction industry, reduction of air pollution and water and soil contamination, improved human health and comfort level, reduced energy bills, etc. In this study implemented a decision making model to receive the results in handling the uncertainty associated with the power system development process. In the process of rating evaluation elements of the influence of these characteristics, attribution functions, and corresponding weighting coefficients were revealed. Finally, have been identified facilities that can do less harm to the environment, namely less impact on climate, geology, water, air, and soil quality, while encouraging the construction of medium and small hydropower plants, as well as solar, wind, and waste power plants. With properly selected energy facilities, Georgia will have a chance to successfully join the EU electricity system and harmonize with EU laws.

The Potentials for the Ecological Management of Landscape Connectivity Including Aquatic Ecosystems in Northeast Albania

At the landscape level, freshwater ecosystems are linked at various spatial and temporal scales by movements of different fauna components adapted to life in water. We review the literature on the state of landscape connectivity and related aquatic species that connect different types of freshwater habitats, focusing on linkages from streams, large rivers and standing water bodies. Based on existing evidence, it is clear that biotic linkages throughout current mosaic have important consequences for biological integrity and biodiversity. The recent developments with regard to urbanization, expansion of urban centers, infrastructure development, and hydropower plant construction in Albania are in line with global destruction and fragmentation of habitats resulting in the parceling up of landscapes that, in this very case, have been caused by human population growth and development activities. The primary aim of this article is to address the landscape connectivity in a wider northeastern part of Albania considering various protected areas. The landscape connectivity is a pillar component of connectivity conservation that has emerged as a response approach to a range of threats to biodiversity, which include habitat degradation and destruction, fragmentation and climate changes. The approach analyses of landscape connectivity were defined from a human perspective in a linkage among different protected areas, including National Park Albanian Alps, Nature Park Korrab-Koritnik, National Park ShebenikJabllanica, Pogradec Landscape Protected Areas and National Park Prespa. The basis of this analysis lies in the Network of Protected Areas (NPAs) of Albania. Cumulatively, the protected areas connectivity, aquatic ecosystem linkage and individual movements connect populations within and among landscape mosaics and contribute to national and regional diversity and resilience to disturbance. This study highlights the importance of considering both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems connectivity in conservation planning and management.

АНАЛІТИЧНИЙ ОГЛЯД ТА ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ У ГАЛУЗІ МАЛОЇ ГІДРОЕНЕРГЕТИКИ ТА ГІДРОЕНЕРГЕТИЧНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ РІЧОК УКРАЇНИ

The main directions and analysis of research in the field of hydropower and hydropower potential of Ukrainian rivers are established. A brief review of the classification of small hydropower plants is given. Estimates of hydropower potential of rivers are considered. The ecological aspects of the use of hydropower potential of rivers are highlighted. Tendencies of development of Ukrainian power engineering and, in particular, hydropower are analyzed. The role of "green" tariff for electric energy produced by small hydropower is shown. The role of "Energy Strategy of Ukraine for the period up to 2030" in the field of small hydropower is highlighted. The methodical approaches to environmental impact assessment in the construction of small hydropower plants are characterized. The prospects for using the hydropower potential of Ukrainian rivers and a proposed new technological paradigm for the development of small hydropower in Ukraine was assessed.

Assessment of CHINA'S contribution to the development of the russian electric power industry: from planned to implemented projects

Modern energy cooperation between Russia and China is mutually beneficial and complementary: China invests in the implementation of Russian energy projects, and Russia, in turn, supplies its energy resources to China, meeting the needs of both sides. This article assesses China's contribution to the development of the Russian electric power industry. The assessment is carried out on the basis of careful examination of upcoming and already implemented projects of China's investment cooperation in Russia in the field of renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as in the field of thermal and nuclear energy. At the same time attention is paid to the volume of investment in specific projects, and the degree of participation in the equity holding. Based on the results of the assessment, a conclusion is made about the high interest of China in the implementation of electric power projects in Russia. China especially counts on mutual support for cooperation in the field of renewable energy, namely in the sector of construction of solar, wind and hydropower plants, in order to solve the climate issue. At the same time China does not deny the importance of developing relations in the field of oil and gas.

Genetic diversity in Cichla piquiti and cross-amplification for Cichla kelberi in the Serra da Mesa reservoir, Goiás, Brazil

Species Cichla piquiti and Cichla kelberi are found in the Serra da Mesa reservoir, Goiás and are sedentary with diurnal habits. This study aimed to evaluate the magnitude and distribution of genetic variability in subpopulations of C. piquiti with specific microsatellite loci and to test transferability in other microsatellite markers for C. kelberi. We analyzed 99 individuals of C. piquiti from seven points to evaluate genetic diversity and structure with 10 microsatellite loci. Transferability of 75 loci was tested in C. kelberi to increase microsatellite markers available. Genetic structure was assessed with Bayesian clustering. Global FST for C. piquiti was weak (0.056), but FIS (0.598) and FIT (0.621) were significantly high, indicating that the mating system has a strong influence on the organization of genetic variability with most mating among related. Two genetic groups were evidenced with most individuals allocated to a single group. Transferability of microsatellite loci for C. kelberi had low polymorphism. The level of genetic diversity was low, increasing inbreeding and suggesting that few individuals of C. piquiti colonized the reservoir during its installation due founder effect. Other factors as reproductive behavior and overfishing can act to decrease genetic diversity. Therefore, we reinforce the need for genetic monitoring to avoid loss of genetic diversity that can be intensified both construction of hydropower plants and ecological and reproductive aspects in some fish species.

Hydropower in the Energy Market in Poland and the Baltic States in the Light of the Challenges of Sustainable Development-An Overview of the Current State and Development Potential

The energy crisis is affecting a number of countries, but particularly those that are heavily dependent on the traditional energy generation formula (e.g., Poland), as well as those neighbouring the territory of the ongoing war in Ukraine, i.e., Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. With this in mind, the authors of this study decided to explore the issue of water energy as a source of green (cheap and environmentally safe) energy in these countries. The main objective of the paper is to review the available literature, which is needed to identify the role hydropower plays in energy security and energy transition in these energy markets. This paper is based on a review and critical appraisal of the available literature and studies together with an inference. The structure of the paper consists of an introduction, the main part of the review and conclusions. The geopolitical location and socio-economic conditions of the adopted set of countries, form the basis of the review of the existing literature on the theme explored and the substantive inference. The main findings of this review indicate that the literature is most strongly focused on the overall assessment of the energy transition of the adopted countries for review, where the hydropower thread is most often taken up as one source of renewable energy supply. Hydropower, due to its relatively low share in the energy systems of the adopted set of countries, is, according to the authors, insufficiently explored. The most significant gap relates to the aspect of the potential for hydropower development in these areas, considering both the construction of new hydropower plants and opportunities signalled in the literature for the modernisation or restoration of existing ones. In this respect, the need for analyses (studies and simulations) of hydropower development, considering the economic benefits associated with their development juxtaposed with the safety dimension of this course of action for the environment (analysis and assessment of environmental costs) is indicated, which is the main recommendation of the review.