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NHA TODAY
Energy Department Awards $10.5 Million for Next-Generation Marine Energy Six Marine Energy Companies selected
H Y D R O P O W E R + M A R I N E E N E R G Y + P U M P E D S T O R A G E
Jan 14/Volume 22 Issue 1
NHAWelcomes Helios Altas&CardinalEngineering
N H A R E S P O N S E S T O F E R C - U S A C ED R A F T P R O P O S A L
PLUS
NHA WaterpowerWeek in Washington
NHA TODAYNA T I O N A L H YDRO POWER A S S O C I A T I O N
NHA Staff
Main number 202-682-1700
Linda Church Ciocci
Executive Director | ext 220
Jeffrey A. Leahey
Deputy Executive Director |ext 150
Diane C. Lear
Director of MembershipServices | ext 160
Dave Zayas
Senior Manager ofRegulatory Affairs andTechnical Services | ext 200
LeRoy Coleman
Senior Manager of StrategicCommunications | ext 210
Francesca Blanco
Manager of Meetings andEvents | ext 130
Kimberly Costner
Executive Assistant | ext 140
Luciana Ciocci
Staff Assistant | ext 190
NHA TODAY
Before the holiday break,NHA submitted commentson a Department of Energy,U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(Corps), and Federal EnergyRegulatory Commission(FERC) proposal intended toimprove coordinationbetween the FERC andCorps' licensing andpermitting processes fornon-federal hydropowerdevelopment on Corpsinfrastructure.
Therefore, NHA could notsupport the Draft Proposalbecause it did not adequatelyaddress the two most seriousissues facing non-federalhydropower development onCorps infrastructure: 1) thelength of the combinedregulatory processes; and 2)the financial risk thatdevelopers assume due to thefront-loaded expectations forexpensive design detailsbefore there is certaintyregarding the environmentalrequirements that can affectboth project design andproject economics.
NHA Responses to FERC-USACE Draft Proposal
Step one would require theagencies to complete allenvironmental reviews first byestablishing all the requiredenvironmental protectionmeasures in the Commissionlicense and the Corps Section404 permit, with a reasonableamount of engineering designof 10%.
D E S I G N
The Draft InteragencyAgreement on FERC-USACEConcurrent and CoordinatedProcesses provided twooptions that developerscould pursue in order toachieve increasedcoordination and concurrentreviews of hydropowerapplications.
the process, without anyadditional commitments orcertainty from FERC or theCorps that decision-makingwill be made in a more timelyfashion.
However, in order to achieveeither Option A or B,developers would berequired to provide moredetailed engineering designand information earlier in
NHA's comments did providerecommendations for a newtwo-step approach forconducting a coordinated andconcurrent review process.
Following agreement on allenvironmental requirements,step two would then focusexclusively on the technical,engineering, and dam safetyaspects of the project under theSection 408 application andFERC processes. Under steptwo, our comments alsoprovided specific examples forthe Corps to improve theSection 408 application process,such as consolidated reviewsand vertical teaming.
NHA believes this approachwould provide greater processcertainty to developers andmore appropriately spread theirfinancial risk throughout theentire process, and it wouldreduce the amount of time theCorps and FERC expendconducting technical reviews onprojects that do not move pastlicensing.
Article cont'd on the next page
NHA TODAY
This week, U.S.Representatives SuzanneBonamici, Chellie Pingree,Theodore Deutch and MarkTakai sent a letter to thepresident calling for $100million in funding for theDepartment of Energy’s WaterPower Program for Fiscal Year2017.
NHA Responses to FERC-USACE Draft Proposal Cont'd
D E S I G N
Finally, NHA would like to thank the following member companies for participating on the draftinggroup that played a critical role in developing our comments: Advanced Hydro Solutions,American Municipal Power (AMP), Kleinschmidt, McMillen Jacobs Associates, MWH Global, NelsonEnergy, TRC Solutions, and Van Ness Feldman.
For FY16, the program received$70 million in funding, whichrepresented the highest level offunding ever for the programand is an increase of 14 percentfrom last year’s funding.
U.S. House Members Call for IncreasedFY17 Water Power Program Funding
In the letter, they noted that,“Expanded efforts to captureour nation’s rich domesticwater power resourcesthrough hydropower, pumpedstorage and marine energytechnologies could drivebillions of dollars ofinvestment…”.
On the Lookout: MassachusettsHydropower Study
In an effort to bring more hydropower into the state,the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources isin the process of finalizing a study to examine thepermitting and approvals for reactivating pre-existinghydropower sites to determine how the process can beexpedited and streamlined. The study is expected to bereleased in early February.
NHA TODAY
D E S I G N
THE HILL: EBBS AND FLOWSENERGY DEPARTMENT AWARDS $10.5 MILLION FOR NEXT-
GENERATION MARINE ENERGY FUNDING >
The Department of Energy recently announced six marine energy organizations were selected to receive
up to $10.5 million to support the design and operation of innovative marine and hydrokinetic (MHK)
systems through survivability and reliability-related improvements. The improvements supported by this
funding will help these devices last longer, cost less to maintain and capture even more sustainable energy
from the enormous potential of the nation's oceans and rivers.
NHA TODAY
•Dehlsen Associates, LLC is developing a wave energy converter (WEC) comprised of multiple pods that use
common components to achieve economies of scale. In this project, the device structure will be optimized to
improve its survivability characteristics, thus significantly reducing the cost of energy derived from the WEC.
• M3 Wave LLC, is developing a WEC that sits on the ocean floor and harnesses energy from the pressure waves
beneath ocean waves. This project will develop modeling tools to explore ways to minimize effects of sediment
transport, such as water erosion, displacement, and tilting of the device, and to increase the lifetime of the
system by reducing maintenance requirements in commercial-scale deployments.
• Oscilla Power, Inc. is developing a WEC consisting of a surface float that is tethered to a base suspended in the
water. This projects aims to optimize the device's storm-survival configurations, which will decrease the loads the
device experiences during extreme conditions, thus lowering the resulting cost of energy.
• Columbia Power Technologies, Inc. will develop and deploy a streamlined, cost-effective installation and
recovery process that includes design updates and process improvements related to IO&M, while deploying
the floating, offshore WEC.
• Igiugig Village Council, in southwestern Alaska, will develop a river turbine system that will demonstrate IO&M
design improvements to simplify maintenance and make system components more durable during operations.
• Verdant Power, Inc., of New York, New York, will complete their TriFrame foundation, which optimizes turbine
spacing and support structures to allow for cost-effective IO&M. This will provide a way to deploy three turbines
together as a single system and make it possible to retrieve all three turbines with one on-water operation.
NHA TODAY
Click here to access the online application portal
On Tuesday, February 2, at 1pm ET, the
Clean Energy States Alliance's State-
Federal RPS Collaborative will be
holding a webinar to explore the role
and treatment of hydropower in RPSs
across the country. Specifically, it will
provide an overview of hydropower
technologies, growth potential, and the
opportunities for this renewable
energy resource to provide additional
value to RPSs in the future.
NHA TODAY
CESA WEBINAR: HYDROPOWER AND RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARDSWEBINAR>
NHA will present on the current state of hydropower in RPSs, as well as growth opportunities across
the industry, including efficiency improvements and new development. The Low Impact Hydropower
Institute will explain its independent Certification Program, which has been incorporated into some
state RPSs and voluntary markets. A representative of the US Department of Energy’s Hydropower
Vision will discuss that initiative, which will lay out the building blocks for a new era of sustainable
hydropower growth over the next half century. There will be time for questions. The webinar will be
hosted by CESA Executive Director Warren Leon.
David Zayas, Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Technical Services, National Hydropower
Association
•Dana Hall, Deputy Director, Low Impact Hydropower Institute
Tim Welch, Hydropower Program Manager, Wind and Water Power Technologies Office, US
Department of Energy
THROUGH THE PENSTOCK: NHA HAPPENINGS
For more information and resources related to CESA's State-Federal RPS Collaborative, please visit
http://www.cesa.org/projects/state-federal-rps-collaborative/ .
Presenters:
The NHA Past Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship is now accepting applications. Deadline to submit
an application is February 15, 2016. Scholarship information and the application are posted on
the NHA website at www.hydro.org/awards
Job seekers can open accounts, search by keyword or location, post a resume, apply directly to
jobs, and create personal job alerts for FREE.
The NHA Job Board is an easy-to-use and highly targeted resource for members and non-
members. Job seekers can browse current vacancies, post an anonymous resume and create new
job alerts. Employers can post a job or browse the resume bank to find the right candidate. It
connects hiring companies with experienced, capable professionals who want to use their
expertise to advance business, technology, and the hydro industry.
NHA TODAY
PAST PRESIDENTS’ LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP>
JOBS> NHA JOBS BOARD
The $2,500 scholarship goes to promising young students who demonstrates the academic skills
and commitment to help create the next generation of leaders in the hydropower industry.
(1) current college sophomores or juniors who will be college juniors or seniors beginning fall
2016, or graduate students with a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or
equivalent) who are enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate course of study at an
accredited four-year college or university; or (2) Applicants must be students with an equivalent
GPA at an accredited vocational technical school or program.
Employers and recruiters can open accounts for free, post job openings and review resumes.
NHA Members get discounted job posting rates. Rates are extremely competitive, giving you the
ability to post jobs and search thousands of qualified candidates.
THROUGH THE PENSTOCK: NHA HAPPENINGS
Applicants must be pursuing a program of study that is related to the hydropower industry:
Engineering, sciences (biology, fisheries, and hydrology), communications, or environmental
studies.
6in16OpEx Announces
The 6 in '16 challengeFor current or new participants in the OpEx program,anyone who submits a minimum of six Event Reportsbetween October 1, 2015 and the conclusion of the 2016HPC Fall Retreat, will be entered into a drawing to win a$600 Best Buy gift card. For those who have submittedan Event Report since this past October, you will becounted.
The OpEx program extends many thanks to SouthernCompany for challenging the industry to participate inOpEx and for providing the prize. Registering for OpEx is easy and can be done athydroexcellence.org.
For questions, contact David Zayas at [email protected]
NHA TODAY
hydroexcellence.org
Click here to view the report.
ODD AND ENDS
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency recently
released its Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Report, which
highlights its successful efforts to connect U.S.
industry with global infrastructure opportunities.
USTDA ISSUES 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
USTDA's FY 2015 Annual Report features success
stories that demonstrate how the Agency's
programs have advanced economic growth at home
and abroad by bringing U.S. private sector solutions
to development challenges.
NHA TODAY
Most notably, those stories highlight cooperative
efforts to electrify villages in Rwanda with new
hydropower generation
A new research and site selection report
from commercial real estate services firm
CBRE on cost effective locations for cloud
computing and data centers, found that
Quincy, Washington ranks as the lowest cost
market for power in the United States and is
one of the most attractive locations in the
country to build and operate a data center.
The report specifically states that, "In
Quincy, electric power is supplied by two
hydroelectric dams that produce
renewable power at a highly competitive
rate. Increasingly, data center clients are
evaluating the power source along with
the cost of power. Thus, the low cost of
power and its renewable source make
Quincy an attractive market for users..."
CLEAN ENERGY DATA CENTERS
Technology companies are increasingly
becoming aware of the clean, affordable
and renewable benefits of hydropower.
Recently, it was announced that Google is
investing $600 million to bring the
company's eighth U.S. data center to
Clarksville, Tennessee. The facility, in turn,
will be powered by Tennessee Valley
Authority.
* * *
MEET A HYDRO RESEARCH FOUNDATION RESEARCHER
NHA TODAY
The Hydro Research Foundation is actively supporting graduate
students to conduct research related to conventional and pumped
storage hydropower. These students are funded through the
Department of Energy’s Water Power Program and industry partners.
As part of NHA’ s support of the Research Awards Program, members
are invited to learn more about these cutting edge researchers.
Seth Gregg is studying at Colorado School of Mines pursuing a
Masters in Science in Mechanical Engineering and is interested in
real world applications of machine learning and statistics to
intelligent energy systems as well as prognostics and health
management (PHM). Seth recently returned to school after a 12-
year career working with process controls and vibration analysis.
Seth enjoys gardening, viticulture, Oenology, teaching and being
involved in the local community..
Seth is working with Dr. John Steele at Colorado School of Mines as well as Erin Foraker and John
Germann at the Bureau of Reclamation to research Advanced Analysis of Hydroelectric Turbine
Condition Monitoring Data for Early Damage Detection. Condition monitoring is an important part of
reducing operations and maintenance costs in hydroelectric plants. By monitoring the turbines running
parameters in real time, both short and long term operating decisions can be made to prevent
catastrophic failure and lengthen the run time between maintenance. Many hydroelectric turbines are
instrumented to collect condition monitoring data, however, analysis of the data can be a lengthy and
complex process. In order to make real time operational decisions, analysis of the condition monitoring
data must be done in an ongoing way using monitoring software and damage detection algorithms that
look at real time health of the turbine. A key part of understanding the health of a turbine is to
understand when it is undergoing cavitation.
NHA TODAY
Cavitation damage on turbines is caused when vapor bubbles implode on the surface of the guide
vanes, wicket gates, turbine runners, or draft tubes. Cavitation can be relatively harmless or quite
destructive and leads to efficiency losses, severe vibration and lengthy repair outages. Differentiating
between types of cavitation and predicting the health of the turbine remains a challenge and this
research aims to aid this effort by developing an algorithm for detecting the different types of
cavitation and classifying its destructiveness. The algorithm will be developed by applying statistical
learning (machine learning) techniques to existing condition monitoring and running data collected
on turbines undergoing cavitation.
To connect with Seth Gregg or learn more about the Research Awards Program
please email [email protected] or visit the website
www.hydrofoundation.org
HYDRO RESEARCH FOUNDATIONRESEARCHER
The first task for creating an effective algorithm will be to correlate the many different types of
condition monitoring data – from turbine vibration and flow to generator power and speed – with
cavitation damage and turbine health. This process is used to features of the data that correlate well
with damaging cavitation and turbine health. Once the correct data features are chosen, we will apply
statistical methods that learn how to identify damaging cavitation from condition monitoring data.
Since operating characteristics are different for every turbine, we will develop an algorithm that
automates the learning process and creates cavitation and health parameters specific to each
turbine being monitored.
NHA TODAY
D E S I G N
Early Bird Discount – NHA Waterpower Week inWashington –Annual Conference, IMREC & METS
Register today and take advantage of both the NHA Member Discount and Early BirdDiscount on registration rates for the NHA Waterpower Week in Washington. WaterpowerWeek in Washington is one event with three conferences: Annual Conference, InternationalMarine Renewable Energy Conference (IMREC) and Marine Energy Technology Symposium(METS).
This event brings together the industry’s collective knowledge on a diverse set of topics.The 2016 Annual Conference theme is: Strengthening Our Economy. Protecting Our Future. Now in its second year, IMREC brings together individuals interested in marine energy toshare challenges, find solutions, and continue to move the marine industry forward.
The 4th annual METS will provide a venue where technical experts can publish and presentwave and water current energy research that helps accelerate the pace of technologydevelopment. For more information, visit the Waterpower Week in Washington website andregister today to take advantage of Early Bird and Member Discounts.
Click here to Register
HYDRO ANNOUNCEMENTS
METS CALL FOR ABSTRACTS – JANUARY 22ND DEADLINE
FERC SETS DAM SAFETY WORKSHOP IN SPOKANE
The main objective of the Marine Energy Technology
Symposium (METS) is to provide a venue where technical
experts can publish and present wave and water current
energy research that helps accelerate the pace of Marine
Energy technology development.The METS 2016 organizing
committee is seeking 3-5 page extended abstracts that
focus on the design, analysis, environmental evaluation,
and socio-economic evaluation of wave energy and water
current energy converter technologies..
NHA TODAY
On March 1, 2016, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is holding a one-day introductory
workshop on dam safety on March 1 at Avista’s auditorium in Spokane, WA. The workshop will be followed
by a tour of Spokane’s Upriver Dam on the 2nd from 9-10:30.
Target Audience: Dam operators and dam safety engineers for licensees; consultants; dam owners,
including smaller utilities and owners of individual dams.Speakers will include members of the FERC
Division of Dam Safety and inspections. A full agenda is available at:
http://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/safety/wkshps.asp
The workshop will cover how each type of dam maintains stability, how to monitor dams to prevent
failures, and how to reduce the consequences of a potential failure by having an effective Emergency
Action Plan.
For information on submitting your abstract, click here.
Authors whose extended abstracts are accepted will be given the opportunity to give a podium
presentation or participate in the poster session. For further questions, contact: Arielle Cardinal
Areas of Interest
Device design, analysis, simulation, Environmental effects evaluation andsimulationResource assessment andcharacterizationLaboratory and open waterexperimental testingMaterials and coatingsDesign and analysis of mooringsystems
HYDRO ANNOUNCEMENTS
WATERPOWER WEEK IN WASHINGTON CLOSINGSESSION: FERC HOT TOPICS, MEET, GREET
CLIMATE ADAPTATION LEADERSHIPAWARD FOR NATURAL RESOURCES
The closing session will include all three directors of the hydro division under the FERC Office of
Energy Projects.
NHA TODAY
Do you know individuals or organizations that are making a difference to increase our understanding of
climate impacts on natural resources and/or providing innovative approaches to reducing impacts,
improving response capabilities, and increasing resilience in a changing climate?
Nominate them for the new Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources and help us
recognize their outstanding efforts to increase awareness and safeguard U.S. natural resources from
climate change.
The deadline to submit nominations has been extended to January 22, 2016. Learn more here.
William H. Allerton, Director, Division of Dam Safety and Inspections
Jennifer Hill, Director, Hydropower Administration & Compliance
Vince Yearick, Director, Hydropower Licensing
This session will provide a unique opportunity to meet and dialogue with FERC staff all in one place. In this
session, representatives of the staff of the Office of Energy Projects from the divisions of licensing,
compliance and dam safety will discuss hot topics, share their perspectives and respond to your questions
and concerns.
The Climate Adaptation Leadership Award is sponsored by the National Fish, Wildlife and Plant Climate
Adaptation Strategy in partnership with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Forest
Service, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
W W W . F R A M E M A G . C O M | 2 0
NHAWELCOMES...
HeliosAltas Corp. located in RosevilleCalifornia, designs, engineers andmanufactures the Helios PowerBall andPowerWheel. These proprietary microhydro systems are designed for low headand flat flowing water. The PowerBalland PowerWheel are the first suspendedhydroelectric devices, giving the unitsthe ability to shed silt and debris, andautomatically extract from the waterflow. The HeliosAltas patented designcan allow for full aquatic passage. Using asimple, elegant and proven waterwheelconcept, multiple PowerBall units can beplaced in parallel and/or series toproduce aggregated blocks of multi MWpower. PowerBalls are offered instandard sizes from 100W to 2 kW. PowerWheels are semi-custom designedfor applications of 5 to 50 kW or greater.The modular design requires little to nocivil infrastructure, allowing for fast, lowcost installations. The units are perfectdevices to generate renewable energycredits from an existing hydro system.
NHA TODAY
For information on HeliosAltas visit:www.heliosaltas.com
W W W . F R A M E M A G . C O M | 2 0
NHAWELCOMES...
Cardinal Engineering provides engineeringexpertise to support marine systemdevelopment and cost-effective platformintegration. Cardinal’s technical expertsparticipate in the development of flagshipprograms across a full spectrum of ships,submarines, offshore platforms and coastalsystems for military and civilian agencies andtheir industry partners.
For information on Cardinal Engineering visit:www.cardinalengineeringllc.com
NHA TODAY
The cornerstone of our capability is in theresearch and development program phase,where breakthrough technologies, innovativeapplication of engineering materials, andingenious design intersect to create anopportunity for more effective and efficientsystems. While this germinating phase of theengineering spiral is critically important, thedevelopment of these ideas into real lifesystems is even more challenging, and iswhere Cardinal engineers and scientistsprovide the greatest value. It is our ability toassess, mature, and field successful systemsthat enables game-changing missioncapability.
Our experience includes particulardepth and breadth in the critical areasof structural engineering, survivability,propulsion, power generation anddistribution, marine energyconversion, and pulsed powerweaponry.
Whether establishing criticalrequirements, developing technologyor leading multi-disciplinary productteams, Cardinal is providing criticalengineering expertise - informingtechnology decisions.