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Run-of-the-River Hydropower

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Run-of-the-river hydropower is a type of hydropower generation that harnesses the natural flow of a river to generate electricity without the need for large dams or reservoirs. This technology offers a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to hydropower, minimizing impacts on river ecosystems and surrounding landscapes.

Impact on climate action

Run-of-the-River Hydropower within the Hydropower sector promotes climate action by generating renewable energy without significant environmental disruption. By harnessing natural water flow, this innovation minimizes habitat disruption and reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a sustainable energy mix and mitigating climate change impacts.

Underlying
Technology

  • Low-Head Dams or Weirs: Small dams or weirs are constructed to divert a portion of the river flow into a channel or penstock.
  • Hydropower Turbines: Water from the diverted flow is directed through turbines to generate electricity. Run-of-the-river systems typically use Kaplan or propeller turbines, which are well-suited for low-head applications.
  • Powerhouse: The powerhouse houses the turbines, generators, and other equipment needed to convert the mechanical energy from the turbines into electricity.
  • Bypass Reach: A portion of the river flow is allowed to bypass the dam or weir to maintain downstream ecological flows.

TRL : 8


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Fish-Friendly Turbine Designs: Innovations in turbine design, such as using smaller runner diameters and adjusting blade angles, can reduce fish mortality and improve the environmental performance of run-of-the-river hydropower plants.
  • Modular and Prefabricated Systems: Modular and prefabricated hydropower systems are being developed to reduce installation time and costs, making run-of-the-river hydropower more accessible for smaller projects.
  • Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation: Technologies are being developed to monitor the environmental impacts of run-of-the-river hydropower plants and mitigate potential risks to aquatic ecosystems.
  • Hybrid Run-of-the-River Systems: Combining run-of-the-river hydropower with other renewable energy sources, such as solar PV or wind power, can create hybrid systems that offer increased energy generation consistency and improved grid stability.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Fish-Friendly Technology
  • Modular Systems
  • Prefabricated Solutions
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Small-Scale Applications
  • River Ecosystem Preservation
  • Advanced Turbine Designs
  • Biodiversity Conservation

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  • Natel Energy:
    • Technology Enhancement: Natel Energy focuses on low-impact hydropower solutions, particularly Run-of-the-River hydropower systems. Their innovative technology includes hydroEngine®, a unique hydropower turbine designed for minimal environmental disruption. Natel’s systems harness the natural flow of rivers to generate electricity without the need for large dams or reservoirs, preserving river ecosystems and minimizing habitat disruption.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Natel Energy stands out for its commitment to sustainable hydropower development and its emphasis on environmental stewardship. Their Run-of-the-River hydropower systems offer a renewable energy solution that avoids the ecological and social impacts associated with conventional hydropower projects. By utilizing innovative turbine designs and modular installations, Natel aims to expand access to clean energy while protecting sensitive river ecosystems.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Natel Energy serves utilities, municipalities, and private developers seeking clean and sustainable energy solutions. Their Run-of-the-River hydropower systems are deployed in riverine environments where traditional hydropower development may not be feasible or desirable, providing reliable and predictable electricity generation with minimal environmental footprint.
  • Canyon Hydro:
    • Technology Enhancement: Canyon Hydro specializes in small-scale hydropower systems, including Run-of-the-River installations for off-grid and remote locations. Their technology encompasses turbine design, system integration, and project development services tailored to the unique requirements of each site. Canyon Hydro’s systems leverage natural water flows to generate electricity efficiently and sustainably, supporting energy independence and environmental conservation.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Canyon Hydro stands out for its expertise in designing and implementing custom hydropower solutions for a wide range of applications. Their Run-of-the-River systems are engineered to harness the available hydraulic potential of rivers and streams while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing energy output. By offering scalable and modular solutions, Canyon Hydro enables decentralized energy generation in diverse settings.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Canyon Hydro serves off-grid communities, rural developments, and industrial facilities seeking reliable and renewable energy solutions. Their Run-of-the-River hydropower systems provide a sustainable alternative to diesel generators and grid electricity, offering cost-effective and environmentally friendly power generation options for remote locations.
  • Hydro Green Energy:
    • Technology Enhancement: Hydro Green Energy specializes in the development of Run-of-the-River hydropower projects, primarily in the United States. Their technology portfolio includes proprietary turbine designs, river engineering solutions, and project management expertise. Hydro Green Energy’s systems are designed to maximize energy output while minimizing environmental impacts, utilizing the natural flow of rivers for sustainable electricity generation.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Hydro Green Energy stands out for its focus on community-centric hydropower development and its commitment to environmental sustainability. Their Run-of-the-River projects prioritize stakeholder engagement, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance to ensure responsible project implementation. By integrating renewable energy generation with ecological restoration and community benefits, Hydro Green Energy aims to foster sustainable development and energy resilience.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Hydro Green Energy serves utilities, municipalities, and private investors interested in clean energy development and environmental conservation. Their Run-of-the-River hydropower projects provide reliable and renewable electricity generation while preserving river ecosystems and supporting local communities’ economic and social well-being.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU):
    • Research Focus: NTNU is a leading institution in research on Run-of-the-River Hydropower, focusing on developing advanced technologies and methodologies for harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water in rivers and streams without the need for large-scale reservoirs or dams.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves the design, optimization, and integration of low-impact hydropower systems that minimize environmental disturbance and preserve river ecosystems while maximizing energy output and efficiency. They explore innovative turbine designs, flow control mechanisms, and sediment management strategies tailored to specific geographical and hydrological conditions.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in off-grid electrification, rural development, and sustainable water resource management. By harnessing the natural flow of rivers for electricity generation, NTNU’s research contributes to expanding access to clean and renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable development in remote and underserved areas.
  • Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL):
    • Research Focus: EPFL conducts cutting-edge research on Run-of-the-River Hydropower, leveraging its expertise in fluid dynamics, renewable energy systems, and environmental engineering to develop innovative solutions for optimizing the performance and environmental sustainability of small-scale hydropower installations.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of predictive models, numerical simulations, and experimental testing techniques to assess the hydropower potential, ecological impacts, and socio-economic benefits of run-of-the-river projects. They also explore the integration of hydropower with other renewable energy sources, energy storage technologies, and smart grid solutions to enhance grid stability and reliability.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in decentralized energy generation, microgrid development, and climate adaptation. By advancing run-of-the-river hydropower technologies, EPFL’s research supports the transition to a resilient, low-carbon energy system, enhancing energy security, and promoting environmental sustainability.
  • University of Innsbruck (Austria):
    • Research Focus: The University of Innsbruck is engaged in innovative research on Run-of-the-River Hydropower, leveraging its proximity to Alpine regions and expertise in hydrology, mountain water resources, and renewable energy technologies to develop sustainable hydropower solutions for mountainous environments.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves studying the impacts of climate change, glacier retreat, and land use changes on river flow regimes and hydropower potential in alpine catchments. They also investigate the feasibility of integrating run-of-the-river hydropower with ecosystem-based adaptation measures, such as floodplain restoration, riparian habitat enhancement, and sediment management.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in alpine communities, tourism infrastructure, and climate resilience. By harnessing the energy of mountain streams and rivers, the University of Innsbruck’s research contributes to sustainable mountain development, water resource management, and climate change mitigation efforts.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Run-of-the-river hydropower is a mature technology and is widely implemented around the world, particularly in mountainous regions with abundant river resources. For example, many small-scale run-of-the-river hydropower plants are operating in Nepal, providing clean and reliable electricity to rural communities.



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