1 / 14

Hydro Power – the history and the future.

Explore the evolution and potential of hydroelectric power (HEP), from its early use in Norway to its current status in the UK. Learn about the benefits, limitations, and options for hydro power generation, as well as predictions for its future role in meeting energy demands. Discover how small-scale schemes may play a significant role in the future of electricity generation.

ernestvaughn
Download Presentation

Hydro Power – the history and the future.

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Hydro Power – the history and the future. Robyn Hammond, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia. 24th February 2005

  2. Background • Hydro, or HEP (hydroelectric power) schemes have existed for many years, and the technology is well-established • Norway has used hydro power since the 1900s • UK has used large-scale hydro since 1950s and 1960s • Hydro power qualifies for a Renewables Obligation Certificate according to the UK government

  3. Value • Hydro power is used to generate electricity, not for heat generation • It is very reliable, especially in pumped storage schemes such as Dinorwic • It can come online in several seconds at peak demand times and may be ‘switched off’ as easily

  4. Limitations • It is difficult to gain substantial energy from a flowing river – dams are constructed to harness maximum energy • Capacity could only potentially be 2-3 times larger than present UK schemes • Pumped storage schemes use energy pumping water up to the top reservoir

  5. Options • Pumped storage e.g. Dinorwic, N. Wales • Damming rivers e.g. small scale schemes in the Scottish Highlands

  6. Electricity generation • At present, hydro power accounts for approximately 2% of the UK electricity generation. • It is unlikely to increase much more because of limited resources and relative inefficiency – a maximum load factor of 40%

  7. Capacity for generation Capacity for generation according to hydro power installations in the UK

  8. Real capacity including load factor Capacity for generation according to hydro power installations in the UK, accounting for load factor of 33% (mean load factor of present installations)

  9. Inequalities • Uneven balance between areas of high hydro generation and areas with high power usage • Increase transmission losses when available nationally • More efficient to supply locally, but lower demand

  10. The Future • As seen, production and capacity have stayed level or decreased slightly over recent years • Other renewables more suitable, higher load factor • Limited by resource availability

  11. Predictions • Will not increase dramatically, as there are more efficient ways of producing energy • Qualifies as a renewable source so may increase slightly until other technology improves • Will still be used for immediate energy in times of peak demand

  12. Notes • It is unlikely that any more large scale hydro schemes will be implemented in the UK, as most of the available suitable sites are in use • Small-scale hydro schemes may be implemented on a local scale, and these will make up the majority of the predicted power generation

  13. Electricity generation in the future • In 2003, 3228 GWh or 0.897 PJ were generated using hydro power, a decrease from 5335 GWh (1.482 PJ) in 1999. • It is predicted by the government that UK energy generation from renewable resources in 2010 will be 10.83 PJ (39 TWh), and in 2015 and 2020 it will rise to 16.11 PJ (58 TWh)

  14. Projections • 2005 – up to 1.2 PJ (minimum 0.8 PJ) • 2010 – up to 1.5 PJ (minimum 1PJ) • 2015 – up to 1.7 PJ (minimum 1.2 PJ) • 2020 – up to 2 PJ (minimum 1.5 PJ) • 2025 – up to 2 PJ (minimum 1.5 PJ) • The basis for these projections is that small-scale HEP schemes will become more popular in the future of electricity generation, and these amounts will be generated in this way

More Related