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