OVERVIEW
Hydropower projects utilize the kinetic energy of water (produced from the movement of water down a slope) and convert it into electricity. Each project is composed of the following major components:
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Headworks: The pond and structure at the head (top) of the hydropower project, used to divert water from a river, stream, or canal into the intake structure
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Intake structure: The structure used to collect / withdraw water from the source, used to filter or remove any debris from the water prior to it entering the penstock
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Penstock: The water from the intake structure flows into / through the penstock and down the gradient before reaching the powerhouse
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Powerhouse: The powerhouse contains turbines which convert the water’s energy into electricity
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Tailrace: This structure allows water to flow back into the stream; and
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Transmission line: The transmission line transports the power produced in the powerhouse to the main BC Hydro grid
The feasibility of a small hydroelectric project is dependent on many factors, with the two largest factors being the availability of stream flow and the elevation change (head). Flow can vary seasonally, and this primarily dictates the levels of energy generated. The feasibility of a project is also largely dependent on specific site conditions, such as proximity to the electrical grid, ease of access to the site, and local topography.
Environmental impacts associated with the development of a small hydropower project should also be considered. These impacts, outlined below, can vary significantly depending on the type of hydropower project, the size, and its location.
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Flooding of upstream areas: A small dam or diversion weir is typically required to ensure that the intake structure remains covered.
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Fluctuations to downstream water levels: An upstream diversion can cause fluctuations in downstream water levels, which may impact fish habitat; and
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Fish habitat / barrier: Fish travelling upstream require a system or structure to allow for safe passage over the project.
Typically, the development of a small hydropower project takes between two and five years. Many environmental and technical studies need to be completed in order to complete the project design work, and several provincial and federal regulatory approvals are required prior to construction.
SUMMARY OF SMALL HYDROPOWER OPPORTUNITES
Should individuals be looking toShould an individual or community wish to develop a small-scale hydropower project, a number of site considerations need to be taken into account. These are described below.
Site Requirements
The head height and flow of water available determine the amount of power that can be generated. When planning a hydropower plant, attention needs to be paid to the seasonal and yearly differences in water availability.
Engineering & Infrastructure Requirements
Micro – and pico – hydro power plants are often best suited for isolated areas where there is no electricity grid. Off the grid power plants require local load controlling to stabilise frequency and voltage of supply. They have the advantage that they are generally designed for single households or small villages and can be developed with local materials and labour. For small pico-hydro turbines, the turbine/generator set can be bought as a module “off the shelf”, whereas from micro-power plants upwards the turbines are especially designed for the location.
Planning Requirements
To proceed with a small hydropower scheme, it is necessary to obtain the authorization to utilize all the land concerned and it is important to find out how contractors will access the different areas of the hydropower site with the necessary equipment. It is therefore wise to approach the applicable parties with interests in the lands and resources (other Indigenous Communities, Government of BC, and Government of Canada) as well as relevant landowners at an early stage to identify any objections to the proposed project and to secure access to the land.
Environmental Concerns
Small hydropower systems impose a smaller impact than larger systems on aquatic ecosystems and local communities. However, like all forms of hydro-based generation technologies, they need to be carefully vetted because they cannot completely prevent stresses on ecosystems and human well-being.
Environmental impacts, outlined below, can vary significantly depending on the type of hydropower project, the size, and its location.
Flooding of upstream areas: A small dam or diversion weir is typically required to ensure that the intake structure remains covered.
Fluctuations to downstream water levels: An upstream diversion can cause fluctuations in downstream water levels, which may impact fish habitat.
Fish habitat/barrier: Fish travelling upstream require a system or structure to allow for safe passage over the project. Hydropower projects should not be constructed in fish bearing streams, apart from in a small number of cases where significant mitigation measures are implemented, and appropriate regulatory bodies are in approval.
As discussed above, hydropower projects are subject to several limitations. In particular, BC Hydro does not have an active or current energy procurement program, thus eliminating the viability of such opportunities which are greater than 100 kW in capacity. Smaller-scale projects (less than 100 kW) are subject to a number of environmental and planning requirements, including securing a water license for power generation purposes.
For example, Section 3.0 discussed micro hydro opportunities that were investigated by case study participants. These participants had a number of conversations with regulatory bodies regarding the process to develop a micro hydro project. As a result of these conversations, it was shared that the development of a potential micro hydro project requires the resident / participant to secure a water license for power generation and demonstrate that the creek is not fish bearing prior to applying to BC Hydro’s net metering program. It is understood that it can be challenging to secure a water license for power generation (even if the project will be at a micro-scale), which could limit the development of potential micro hydro projects in the Upper Skeena.
