Hydroelectric Power Production Research Articles

Development of the Columbia Basin Reclamation Project

The Columbia Basin Project, situated in central Washington, has two primary purposes : the production of hydroelectric power and the reclama tion of arid lands. By regulating the flow of the Columbia River, the hy droelectric works associated with the project have also improved naviga tion on the river, and have helped to prevent floods. All these purposes will apparently be gained without damaging the important salmon fisher ies on the Columbia.

Sweden'S Water-Power Resources

DURING the War, sixty new power stations were built in Sweden, several of more than 40,000 kW. rating. The production of hydro-electric power in 1944 was 12,417 million kWh., and water-power plants now total about 2,500,000 kW. Further plants totalling about 600,000 kW. will be completed towards 1950, and works have been started for an additional 350,000 kW. The energy utilized in 1944 was 10,573 million kWh., of which 4,428 million kWh. were taken by the large industries for engine power, etc., while the electro-chemical and thermo-electric industries consumed 1,891 million kWh. About 1,040 million kWh. were used for traction purposes and 2,017 million kWh. for domestic purposes, etc. 1,093 million kWh. were used for electric steam-generation at night-time and during non-working hours.

Resources of Ireland

IN celebration of the centenary of the publication of Sir Robert Kane's "Industrial Resources of Ireland", the Royal Dublin Society has published (price 2s. 6d.) a number of lectures delivered before the Society last August, under the general title of "The Natural Resources of Ireland". Prof. M. A. Hogan, in reviewing the fuel resources of the country, does not see much hope of increased coal production, but believes that resources of the limited coalfields are sufficient to last at least 250 years. He foresees, on the other hand, a great increase in the use of turf, provided that mechanized means of cutting it can be devised. This would entail the preliminary easy drainage of large areas of bog, in order to bear the weight of heavy cutting machines. Mr. J. A. O'Riordan discusses the possibilities of water power. The Shannon and Liffey schemes have made a notable beginning, and their theoretical capacity is estimated at 84,000 horse-power. Gauging stations on other rivers and possibilities, still unmeasured, of smaller streams, promise great accretion to these resources. Mr. O'Riordan thinks that the potential production of hydro-electric power could eventually be doubled. It is to her water-power resources that Ireland must clearly look for energy in the future. A review of the mineral resources other than fuel, by Mr. D. W. Bishop, shows little of importance except phosphates. The metallic mineral resources are very small. Some in small supply, seem to have been exhausted.

Hydro-electric power production in Canada

Hydro-electric power production in Canada