Hydroelectric Power Development Research Articles

Epistemic justice as energy justice: reflections from a transnational collaboration on hydropower and Indigenous rights

ABSTRACT Addressing the climate crisis requires renewable energy, however, developing renewable energy should be equitable. In this article, we analyze a 15-year-old transnational hydroelectric power development conflict involving Indigenous rights in Mapuche-Williche territory, Chile and a Norwegian state-owned company, Statkraft. We seek to advance the field of energy justice by evaluating injustices in this transnational conflict. At the heart of the conflict is a threatened Ngen Kintuantü (the spirit guardian Kintuantü), which is part of a ceremonial and pilgrimage site of utmost importance in Williche territory. We argue that epistemic justice – the radical inclusion of different ways of knowing – can be a central tenet to understanding and redressing the harms connected to energy development, especially via networks of solidarity with Indigenous rights claims. Yet currently, the right to consent for energy projects, – which is informed by the international legal mechanism Free, Prior, and Informed Consent and Chile’s codification of a less stringent Indigenous consultation – is limited by its formation within liberal legality. Despite these limitations, the Traditional Organization of the Ayllarewe of Ngen Mapu Kintuantü, an organization of Mapuche-Williche communities, is crafting and demanding their own form of territorial consultation. Drawing from a solidarity network of research across the Global South and North, we find that existing tools like FPIC can and must be strengthened through Indigenous and local guidance, but that justice, in a broader sense, cannot be achieved without returning land and broader legal reforms.

Collaborative renewable development in Chile: a new path forward for the Mapuche

For years, the conflict between the Mapuche people and energy developers has persisted in Chile’s southern Biobío Region. Chile’s future as a leader in renewable development hangs on the drafting of a new law, and workable solutions are needed now more than ever. The voters decisively rejected Chile’s latest constitutional draft, which afforded Indigenous people in Chile unprecedented recognition at the price of a new governmental structure. In the midst of these political developments, Chile is shifting to develop more renewable energy. This shift will require the use of Mapuche ancestral lands and waterways, likely causing increased tensions between the Chilean government, renewable energy developers, and the Mapuche. This paper assesses the just transition approach in Chile alongside the drafting of a new constitution for the country, with particular consideration for restorative and recognition justice. We provide a comprehensive summary of Mapuche’s historic and current claims to the ancestral lands in Chile and their resistance to hydroelectric power development projects along the Biobío River. Then, we review Chilean laws and court cases dealing with hydroelectric power development projects to pinpoint energy injustice. Finally, we use the energy justice framework to propose new energy laws for Chile that will encourage needed collaboration between the Chilean government, renewable energy developers, and the Mapuche.

Research on fault diagnosis of main equipment based on watershed power production data center

Abstract With the development of intelligent hydroelectric power stations and centralized control centers, water and hydropower development companies in various river basins have constructed power production data centers, establishing standardized and normalized data models and connecting the underlying system channels. Based on the power production data center, this paper constructs a unified data model for monitoring the main equipment and, in response to the shortcomings of the existing equipment alarm mode, analyzes the advantages of expert knowledge and intelligent diagnostic methods. It establishes a comprehensive diagnostic system for the main equipment of power stations, providing multi-level and multi-perspective diagnostic reference opinions. This system is of great significance for promoting the development of intelligent hydroelectric power and centralized control. Finally, taking the operating condition data of a mixed-flow turbine generator unit as an example, the effectiveness of the comprehensive diagnostic model is analyzed and verified.

Geological study of an outburst flood event in the upper Yangtze River and risk of similar extreme events

Outburst flood sediments are studied on the upper course of the Yangtze River (known as the Jinsha River) where is a key region for the development of hydroelectric power. As the history and magnitude of outburst flooding in this stretch of the Jinsha River during historic times has remained largely undocumented, we have endeavored as part of this study to conduct field investigations into, and provide numerical dating (using OSL and 14C dating techniques) of outburst flood evidence found in the First Bend area of the Yangtze River. Carbonized nutshells and charcoal from the ancient settlement yielded 14C ages that precisely pinpointed an outburst flood event ∼1200–1300 cal yr BP, during China's Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). However, OSL ages using the minimum age model for all outburst flood samples ranged from 9.1 to 1.8 ka, which was ∼0.5–7.8 ka older than the 14C-dated outburst flood. This discrepancy suggests a potential overestimation of quartz age when dating outburst flood sediments from the Holocene period. Furthermore, using 2D hydraulic modeling, we estimated the magnitude of the aforementioned outburst flood, revealing a reconstructed peak flow discharge of 51,000–55,300 m3/s. This discharge was three times greater than the 10,000-year flood for the hydroelectric power station nearest to the study area. Our study underscores the significant role of combining archaeological and geological evidence in enhancing paleoflood hydrology research. Through a multidisciplinary approach, our findings emphasize the importance of paleoflood hydrology studies in comprehending both the latent and catastrophic flood risks in alpine mountain areas amid the context of global warming. Key points•A series of outburst flood sediments was identified in the First Bend area of the Yangtze River, with a maximum flood water surface ∼86 m high above modern river level.•The obtained 14C ages would suggest that the outburst flood occurred at ∼1200–1300 cal yr BP in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) of China.•The reconstructed peak flow discharge (51,000–55,300 m3/s) is larger than the three times of the 10,000-yr flood for the nearest hydropower station to the study site.

Monitoring through AI Based Remote Access Vehicle in Hydro Power Plant

The development of hydroelectric power is essential to the production of sustainable energy. Continuous monitoring and maintenance are necessary to guarantee the safe and effective functioning of hydroelectric plants. A revolutionary method for improving the security, effectiveness, and monitoring capacities of hydroelectric power plants is presented in the project "Monitoring through AI-Based Remote Access Vehicle in Hydro Power Plant."This creative project uses cutting-edge technologies, such as Bluetooth connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), Raspberry Pi, and sensor systems, to develop a remotely controlled car that is specifically designed to meet the demands of hydroelectric power plant conditions. Real-time object detection and obstacle avoidance are made possible by this configuration, guaranteeing safe passage across the complex industrial infrastructure.Incorporating a temperature sensor also makes it easier to identify fire situations early on, while a water-detecting sensor protects against water leaks. By utilizing AI algorithms for object recognition, vehicles can detect and react to impediments in a proactive manner, hence decreasing the likelihood of accidents. As sentinels, the temperature and water leakage sensors keep an eye on things constantly and send out alarms right once if anything seems out of the ordinary. Reduced reliance on in-person inspections due to remote monitoring capabilities results in lower costs and more dependability. To sum up, this initiative tackles important issues pertaining to hydro power plant maintenance, efficiency, and safety

Sustainable Tourism in the World Heritage Town Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

This paper discusses the role of local institutions in promoting sustainable tourism in Luang Prabang, Laos, with a focus on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The study uses qualitative research methods to gather from stakeholders and examines the synergies and trade-offs among various SDGs, the strategies for balancing different priorities, the importance of positive stakeholder relationships and consultations, and the future challenges facing the tourism industry in Luang Prabang. The socio-economic development plan for Luang Prabang Province prioritizes political stability, protection of cultural and natural heritage, sustainable agriculture, education and healthcare, hydroelectric power, and commercial and financial development. Despite challenges, Luang Prabang Province has made significant progress in implementing its socio-economic development plan over the past two years. However, several challenges still need to be addressed, including economic growth lacking rationality, income and development disparities between urban and rural regions, inadequate educational and healthcare services, preservation of cultural heritage and effective management of tourism resources, inadequate labor skills development and land management, budgetary constraints, deficiencies in policies and mechanisms for private investment, and the impact of social deprivation on progress and development. The province aims to address these challenges by enhancing political education and training, prioritizing rural development and employee welfare, eliminating poverty and uplifting living standards, seeking input from diverse ethnic backgrounds, addressing political resistance and limitations, and cultivating the province to attain prosperity and resilience.

The Negative Impact of the Three Gorges Dam on Its Area and the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River after Its Construction

The Three Gorges Dam (TGD) is one of the largest construction projects all over the world. The construction of TGD causes significant and far-reaching consequences on the Yangtze River basin (YTR basin). It has brought numerous benefits, particularly with regard to the flood control, the development of hydroelectric power, the shipping industry, and tourism. Yet, it has also resulted in environmental destruction and geological catastrophes. This research investigates the detrimental effects of the TGD on the ecological environment as well as geological disasters through a review of relevant literatures. In general, the positive aspects of the TGD far outweigh its drawbacks, particularly as a consequence of the establishment of monitoring stations and the restoration of the ecologically degraded areas.

Two New Methods for Defining Shut-In Pressure in Hydraulic Fracturing Tests

Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most common methods to determine in situ rock stress. The interpretation of the shut-in pressure to determine the minor principal stress is an important element of this method, and many different methods to interpret shut-in pressure have been studied and developed throughout the years. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. With more than 50 years of research and development within the rock stress measurement field, especially in HF, SINTEF has established two practical ways of defining shut-in pressure. These methods are independent and termed zero flow and water hammer. The zero flow method has been used by SINTEF in more than 130 projects over the last 30 years. The methods clearly differ from the other methods as they are based on singular events in the development of pressure/flow versus time which enables us to read the shut-in pressure directly during testing. In this paper, a comparison is made between different methods for interpretation of shut-in pressure, including 12 existing methods and the 2 SINTEF methods. Comprehensive laboratory tests were performed, and a field test was selected from SINTEF’s database for demonstration and comparison of the methods. The SINTEF methods have been developed mainly for use in hard rock environment where the rock is a jointed aquifer and with low permeability. The application of the two methods has traditionally been hydroelectric power development, different types of tunnel, and cavern projects, and also in mineral mining. The methods have not been used in deep petroleum applications such as oil wells or offshore in porous rock types.

Applicable Smart City Strategies for a Smart Sustainable City to Ensure Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Integration: Casablanca Case Study

A Smart city is essentially expected to diminish the utilization of assets and upgrade efficiencies. In practically any region, effectiveness brings about energy saving, diminished energy force, supportable monetary turn of events, upgraded usefulness, a safeguarded climate, and in particular, participation with the environmental change fight. In spite of the fact that financial plan, innovation, and the necessary framework are significant imperatives for helpless urban areas to accomplish shrewd and economical city objectives, the advantages of brilliant urban areas are numerous for helpless urban areas contrasted with creating and created urban areas. Helpless urban areas accomplish worked on living conditions, security, wellbeing, financial turn of events, administration, and personal satisfaction as well as accomplishing supportable energy objectives, and this study tries to distinguish those shrewd sustainable power and energy production systems that are monetarily achievable and in fact relevant in helpless urban communities. Renewable energies are a sustainable, unlimited, and decarbonized solution to address future energy challenges. In this context, Morocco has considerable lead vantage to position itself on this promising market. Furthermore, renewable energies have been highlighted as a key strategic source for the country’s green growth. Morocco has adopted the renewable energy path through a strategy targeted at the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to boost its energy policy by adapting it to the challenges posed by today’s world. Nowadays, Morocco is facing a challenge to reach 52% by 2030 of its total renewable energy capacity, which will exceed 42% by the end of 20221

Dam(n)ing the hills: Indigeneity, American aid, and Cold War politics in the Kaptai Dam, East Pakistan, 1957–1964

AbstractIn the late 1950s, work began on the Kaptai hydroelectric dam, a massive project in the verdant Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), an area bordering northeast India, east Pakistan (today Bangladesh), and Burma (now Myanmar), largely populated by indigenous hill communities. At the time, the CHT was situated in newly created East Pakistan, and Kaptai had become a focal site for the development of hydroelectric power. In the process, Pakistan relied upon international networks, including global aid organizations and American multinational construction firms, to fulfil its development dreams; in return the United States found a useful ally to contain Soviet influence and the growth of communism in Asia. In the high stakes exchange of economic aid for political alliance-making, East Pakistani administrators, US State Department officials, and American corporations became inherently entwined in a shared vision of development, to the detriment of local ecologies and the indigenous peoples who lived within them. This article will explore how both the public and private sectors used the language of primitivity, wildness, and atavism to marginalize minority ‘tribal’ populations in the devastating name of development and modernity.

Towards a large-scale integration of renewable energies in Morocco

Renewable energies are a sustainable, unlimited and decarbonised solution to address future energy challenges. In this context, Morocco has a considerable advantage to position itself on this promising market. Furthermore, renewable energies have been highlighted as a key strategic source for the country's green growth. Morocco has adopted the renewable energy path through a strategy targeted on the development of solar, wind and hydroelectric power to boost its energy policy by adapting it to the challenges posed by today's world. Nowadays, Morocco is facing a challenge to reach 52% by 2030 of its total renewable energy capacity, which will exceed 42% by the end of 2020. The main objective of this paper is to study a scenario for 2030 for the Moroccan electricity system and to identify the challenges that need to be addressed in order to accelerate the integration of renewable energies in the Moroccan energy mix and to achieve a possible export of such green energy towards Europe.

Population change in hyper-oceanic liverworts before and after hydroelectric power development: a preliminary study

ABSTRACTIntroduction. The best sites for oceanic bryophytes are typically in ravines that offer good potential for hydroelectric power (HEP) development. This preliminary study is the first to investigate population change in oceanic bryophytes of conservation concern at a site subject to HEP development.Methods. Populations of five hyperoceanic liverworts were measured, Aphanolejeunea microscopica, Drepanolejeunea hamatifolia, Harpalejeunea molleri, Jubula hutchinsiae and Radula voluta, at two time periods, before and after HEP installation.Results. Spanning almost four years, results reveal a dynamic system, with significant change in fine-scale distribution patterns, including many colony extinctions and colonisations. About 23% of colony losses of A. microscopica, D. hamatifolia and H. molleri appeared to result from exclusion by larger bryophytes, involving at least 17 species, in particular Ctenidium molluscum.Conclusions. Inference with regards to effects of the HEP is not advised from this type of preliminary before and after study, based at a single site without controls. Given rapid recent growth of small HEP development and the enormous future potential, both in Britain and around the world, it is important to build upon this work and undertake comprehensive studies to detect possible impacts on bryophytes of conservation concern.

PV-pumped energy storage option for convalescing performance of hydroelectric station under declining precipitation trend

The precipitation trend is critically important for functioning of hydroelectric power stations and development of irrigation sector. Studies indicate that freshwater availability in many river basins in India is likely to decrease due to climate change. Despite having promising hydro potential in north-eastern (N-E) region of India, decline in rainfall in the region causes paucity of water in various hydro power plants' reservoirs. Many units of hydroelectric projects are being kept off and as a result, generation comes down to a large extent. As a partial solution to the problem, many such small hydroelectric projects' may be revived by integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) powered pumped storage unit as there is synergy of solar energy with irrigation water pumping and hydro power station. The present study aims to looking at reliable, continuous and cost-competitive power supply option. The study has been conceived with the lone hydroelectric power station of Tripura (one of the N-E states of India) which practically remains inoperative as water is hardly available at the end of the year and before next monsoon. Results substantiate that PV powered pumped storage is a viable option for restoring the steady annual performance of the hydroelectric plant.

Floating Away: The Impact of Hydroelectric Power Stations on Tourists’ Experience in Iceland

It is of vital importance that nature-based tourist destinations maintain their natural resources in a sustainable way. Nature and wilderness are the main attractions for tourism in Iceland. The Central Highlands are uninhabited with little visible evidence of human influence except for some huts, gravel roads, and a small number of hydroelectric power plants. However, there are plans for further hydroelectric power development in the area. The Blanda Power Station was constructed in 1991 at the edge of the North Central Highlands. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey conducted among tourists in the area in the summer of 2016 with a total of 1078 answered questionnaires. The objective was to estimate the impact of the power station on the experience of tourists and to assess whether their attitude differs from that of tourists in locations where power plant construction has been proposed. The results show that the power plant infrastructure at Blanda, with the exception of transmission lines, does not seem to disturb the experience of the majority of tourists. Tourists at Blanda are also more positive towards power plants than at locations where there are no power plants but where they have been proposed.

Future Impacts of Hydroelectric Power Development on Methylmercury Exposures of Canadian Indigenous Communities.

Developing Canadian hydroelectric resources is a key component of North American plans for meeting future energy demands. Microbial production of the bioaccumulative neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is stimulated in newly flooded soils by degradation of labile organic carbon and associated changes in geochemical conditions. We find all 22 Canadian hydroelectric facilities being considered for near-term development are located within 100 km of indigenous communities. For a facility in Labrador, Canada (Muskrat Falls) with planned completion in 2017, we probabilistically modeled peak MeHg enrichment relative to measured baseline conditions in the river to be impounded, downstream estuary, locally harvested fish, birds and seals, and three Inuit communities. Results show a projected 10-fold increase in riverine MeHg levels and a 2.6-fold increase in estuarine surface waters. MeHg concentrations in locally caught species increase 1.3 to 10-fold depending on time spent foraging in different environments. Mean Inuit MeHg exposure is forecasted to double following flooding and over half of the women of childbearing age and young children in the most northern community are projected to exceed the U.S. EPA's reference dose. Equal or greater aqueous MeHg concentrations relative to Muskrat Falls are forecasted for 11 sites across Canada, suggesting the need for mitigation measures prior to flooding.

Impacts and prognosis of natural resource development on water and wetlands in Canada’s boreal zone

Industrial development within Canada’s boreal zone has increased in recent decades. Forest management activities, pulp and paper operations, electric power generation, mining, conventional oil and gas extraction, nonconventional oil sand development, and peat mining occur throughout the boreal zone with varying impacts on water resources. We review impacts of these industries on surface water, groundwater, and wetlands recognizing that heterogeneity in the dominance of different hydrologic processes (i.e., precipitation, evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge, and runoff generation) across the boreal zone influences the degree of impacts on water resources. Through the application of best management practices, forest certification programs, and science-based guidelines, timber, pulp and paper, and peat industries have reduced their impacts on water resources, although uncertainties remain about long-term recovery following disturbance. Hydroelectric power developments have moved toward reducing reservoir size and creating more natural flow regimes, although impacts of aging infrastructure and dam decommissioning is largely unknown. Mineral and metal mining industries have improved regulation and practices, but the legacy of abandoned mines across the boreal zone still presents an ongoing risk to water resources. Oil and gas industries, including non-conventional resources such as oil sands, is one of the largest industrial users of water and, while significant progress has been made in reducing water use, more work is needed to ensure the protection of water resources. All industries contribute to atmospheric deposition of pollutants that may eventually be released to downstream waters. Although most industrial sectors strive to improve their environmental performance with regards to water resources, disruptions to natural flow regimes and risks of degraded water quality exist at local to regional scales in the boreal zone. Addressing the emerging challenge of managing the expanding, intensifying, and cumulative effects of industries in conjunction with other stressors, such as climate change and atmospheric pollution, across the landscape will aid in preserving Canada’s rich endowment of water resources.

Culture and Rural Resettlement Projects in Laos

Laos is linguistically and ethnically the most diverse country in mainland Southeast Asia. To build a sustainable community/village with multi-ethnicity, it is necessary to take a pro-cultural consideration in the process of development intervention by the government. As a case study of resettlement associated with hydroelectric power development, this paper aims at clarifying the cultural elements adopted practically in the implementation of resettlement associated with hydroelectric power development and the sense of value behind such cultural elements. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches by sample surveys, the results show that the cultural elements such as symbol, hero, ritual and belief have played a practical and significant role in the consensus formation during the consultation & planning and physical relocation processes. However, among ethnic groups the degree of senses of value related to symbol, ritual and belief is different while the degree of sense of value related to hero is the same.

Peoples livelihood adaptation in rural resettlement projects in Laos

This paper clarified the state of livelihood adaptation of resettlers affected by the hydroelectric power development project, from five aspects of rural livelihood: Social, economic, physical, natural, and human aspects, in the central province of Laos. Findings revealed that each ethnic group has significantly different adaptation levels under each aspect of livelihood. Phong ethnic group has the highest level of physical (93.00%) and natural adaptation (78.50%) but has the lowest one in human adaptation (68.75%); Pao ethnic group has the highest level of social (21.86%) and human adaptation (82.07%) but has the lowest rate of physical (84.28%) and natural adaptation (48.59%), and Hmong ethnic group has the lowest one of social adaptation (12.45%) while the physical (85.66%), natural (53.76%) and human adaptation (77.24%) levels are the second highest among the three ethnic groups. Furthermore, among five aspects of livelihood adaptations in each ethnic group; it indicated that social adaptation is the lowest level, but physical adaptation is the highest level. Therefore, it can be concluded that social aspect of livelihood adaptation is the most difficult one for project affected people to adjust themselves to the new livelihood environment at the resettlement sites. Key words: Livelihood adaptation, project affected people, rural resettlement, Laos.

Hydropower landscapes and tourism development in the Pyrenees

Since the development of hydroelectric power at the end of the 19th century, most of the high mountain valleys in the Pyrenees have been equipped with hydropower facilities (dams, water intake structures, aqueducts, penstocks, access routes, etc.). Thus, today many landscapes in the Pyrenees bear witness to the exploitation of this renewable resource. But in the classical imaginary world, these mountain areas are seen as the archetype of the beautiful natural landscape, in accordance with aesthetic values inherited from the 18th century, setting Man against Nature. In this model of representations, the cultural heritage of high mountain areas remains in the shadow of their natural heritage. However, since the beginning of the 20th century, it can be shown that the development of mountain tourism has been closely linked with the development of hydroelectric power infrastructures. This runs counter to these prejudices and may well give rise to new ways of looking at these hybrid landscapes. The cross-border comparison of the Neouvielle and Encantats massifs in the Pyrenees reveals that their hydropower resources are exploited in the same way, but that heritage aspects are managed differently: dismantling of ancillary installations at the dams with a view to protecting the so-called “natural” landscapes in the Neouvielle massif, as opposed to rehabilitating and converting this heritage in the Encantats massifs with a view to developing a form of tourism that takes into account the hybrid nature of the vestiges visible in today’s landscape.

Species delimitation, bioclimatic range, and conservation status of the threatened lichen Fuscopannaria confusa

AbstractFuscopannaria confusa is a rare lichen restricted to very humid localities in boreal forests. Two Fuscopannaria species, F. ahlneri and F. mediterranea, and Parmeliella parvula are morphologically problematic to distinguish from F. confusa. Our aim with the present study was to evaluate the taxonomic status of F. confusa and thereby clarify its conservation status in Norway. By phylogenetic analysis of multi-locus DNA sequences, we show that F. confusa is genetically well distinguished from F. ahlneri,F. mediterranea, and P. parvula. Fuscopannaria confusa should therefore be treated as a separate species. A species distribution modelling analysis indicates that F. confusa has a slightly continental but potentially wide geographic distribution in Norway. However, suitable localities are continuously being destroyed by clear-cut logging and hydroelectric power development. Because of the decline in suitable habitats, F. confusa should be regarded as highly threatened in Norway and listed as EN (endangered) at the national level.