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”

Hidroenergia ‘06 Gerard Brendan Fitzgerald

Presentation Contents

• Introduction

• Overview of Small-Scale Hydropower (SHP)

• Environmental aspects of SHP

• Developing SHP in Ireland

• Case Studies

• Conclusions


Introduction

• 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

“On target to achieve 13.2% of power from RE sources by 2010”



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


Overview of Hydropower

• Focus on “Run-of-River” hydro generation

• Requires little or no damming of river

• Ensures flow regime is protected• Small civil works• Highly efficient, predictable

resource (90% Efficiency)• Long lasting, reliable technology

(50 years on average)

10kW – 100kWMicro

100kW – 1MWMini

1MW – 10MWSmall


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


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


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


Developing SHP in Ireland


Case Studies



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)


Case Study 1: Old Mill Site (contd.)

• 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

N


Case Study 2: Multipurpose SHP

• Blennerville, Co. Kerry

• Water Supply Scheme

• Existing Infrastructure:

Intake and Weir

• No known fish movements

• Potential to include SHP

on water network

Intake


Case Study 2: Multipurpose Scheme (contd.)

• 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

N


Financial Evaluation – Old Mill Site

€ 90,188Contingencies

€ 40,000Connection costs

€ 128,850Turbine & Generator

€ 89,000Penstock

€ 599,770Civil Works

€ 51,700Initial Design Costs

Total Estimated Cost of Development = € 999,508


Financial Evaluation – Old Mill Site (contd.)

25Years to Positive Cash Flow

8.6 %Internal Rate of Return

€ 134, 189Net Present Value (Discount Rate 7.5%)

7.2 cents/kWhGovernment supported tariff (ReFIT)

• Old Mill redevelopment financially feasible

• Large revenue following ‘break even’ period

• Level of risk is high for a long term investment


Financial Evaluation – Multipurpose Scheme

€ 22,851Contingencies

€ 28,000Connection costs

€ 44,908Turbine & Generator

€ 58,500Penstock

€ 81,285Civil Works

€ 17,700Initial Design Costs

Total Estimated Cost of Development = € 253,244


Financial Evaluation – Multipurpose Scheme

24Years to Positive Cash Flow

9.3 %Internal Rate of Return

€ 99, 815Net Present Value (Discount Rate 7.5%)

7.2 cents/kWhGovernment supported tariff (ReFIT)

• Multipurpose scheme development financially feasible

• Good potential as a long term investment


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

Thank you

Documents

EP_1_Fitzgerald