/EP_1_Fitzgerald

Hidroenergia 2006 – Crieff, Scotland Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald Dr. J. Prendergast & Mr. C. O’Donoghue (School of Engineering)

Project Title: “The Analysis of Fresh Water Rivers as an Alternative source of Energy in Remote Areas of Ireland”

Presentation Contents • Introduction • Overview of Small-Scale Hydropower (SHP) • Environmental aspects of SHP • Developing SHP in Ireland • Case Studies • Conclusions

Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Introduction “On target to achieve 13.2% of power from RE sources by 2010” • Why do we need Small Scale Hydropower?

– Ireland imported 87% of its energy requirements in 2002 – Need to diversify fuel mix to ensure security of supply – Electricity demand is constantly increasing (193MW/year) – Gross electricity consumption from hydropower only 2.35% in 2004 – Increased need for flexible plant according to the Transmission System Operator of Ireland Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

SHP Resource Distribution • Installed capacity 29MW (schemes <10MW) • Ireland has potential for further 38MW (1997 ESBI report) • Over 50% of this is located in South West • Locating power supply close to consumers Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Overview of Hydropower • Focus on “Run-of-River” hydro generation • Requires little or no damming of river • Ensures flow regime is protected

Small

1MW – 10MW

Mini

100kW – 1MW

Micro

10kW – 100kW

• Small civil works • Highly efficient, predictable resource (90% Efficiency) • Long lasting, reliable technology (50 years on average) Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Potential Impacts of SHP • Impacts During Construction – Temporary diversion of Rivers – Use of Excavators for earth moving

• Impacts During Operation – Biological Impacts (local flora and fauna) – Landscape Impacts – Visual & Sonic Impacts – Recreational Impacts

Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Environmental Integration of SHP • Scheme Aesthetics – Landscaping and vegetation – Interred Penstock – Underground Powerhouse

• Noise Reduction – Acoustic Insulation of Powerhouse & Turbine – Internal noise levels can be reduced to 70dBA

• Material Management – Trash racks remove waste material from waterways Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Environmental Integration of SHP • Biological Protection – Reserved/Compensation Flow • Central Fisheries Board river categorisation – Fish passes • Behavioural Guidance System (Downstream fish) • Fish ladders (Upstream migrants) – Fish friendly turbines • Reduce fish injury and mortality

Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Developing SHP in Ireland

Hidroenergia â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Case Studies

Hidroenergia â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 Hidroenergia â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Case Study 1: Old Mill Site • Derrymore, Co. Kerry • Derelict Grain Mill • Existing Weir • On a Category 1 River • No fish movements • Natural Lake (Storage)

Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Case Study 1: Old Mill Site (contd.)

N

• Technical Data – Mean Flow = 0.2 m3/s – Gross Head ≈ 96 m

• Potential Install Capacity 121kW • Annual Energy Output 659MWh (RETScreen Software Package) • Potential to supply 143 homes • Low Environmental Impact Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Case Study 2: Multipurpose SHP • Blennerville, Co. Kerry • Water Supply Scheme Intake

• Existing Infrastructure: Intake and Weir • No known fish movements • Potential to include SHP on water network

Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Case Study 2: Multipurpose Scheme (contd.)

N

• Technical Data – Mean Flow ≈ 0.1 m3/s – Gross Head ≈ 60 m • Potential Install Capacity 24kW • Annual Energy Output 141MWh • Potential to Supply 30 homes with water & electricity • Low Environmental Impact

Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Financial Evaluation – Old Mill Site Total Estimated Cost of Development = € 999,508

Hidroenergia ‘06

Initial Design Costs

€ 51,700

Civil Works

€ 599,770

Penstock

€ 89,000

Turbine & Generator

€ 128,850

Connection costs

€ 40,000

Contingencies

€ 90,188

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Financial Evaluation – Old Mill Site (contd.)

Government supported tariff (ReFIT) Net Present Value (Discount Rate 7.5%) Internal Rate of Return Years to Positive Cash Flow

7.2 cents/kWh € 134, 189 8.6 % 25

• Old Mill redevelopment financially feasible • Large revenue following ‘break even’ period • Level of risk is high for a long term investment Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Financial Evaluation – Multipurpose Scheme Total Estimated Cost of Development = € 253,244

Hidroenergia ‘06

Initial Design Costs

€ 17,700

Civil Works

€ 81,285

Penstock

€ 58,500

Turbine & Generator

€ 44,908

Connection costs

€ 28,000

Contingencies

€ 22,851

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Financial Evaluation – Multipurpose Scheme Government supported tariff (ReFIT) Net Present Value (Discount Rate 7.5%)

7.2 cents/kWh € 99, 815

Internal Rate of Return Years to Positive Cash Flow

9.3 % 24

• Multipurpose scheme development financially feasible • Good potential as a long term investment Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Conclusions • Both schemes are technically & financially feasible • Further incentives needed for development of grid connected SHP schemes in Ireland • Need to streamline planning to reduce delays • Transparency with regard to grid connection costs is required • For hydro to grow, public acceptance is one of the most important issues Hidroenergia ‘06

Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Thank you