ORNL Water Power Technologies
The ORNL Water Power Technologies Program works to improve the environmental performance of hydropower systems. ORNL expertise includes modeling technology and policy impacts on the U.S. hydropower fleet, nationwide assessment of non-powered dams and streams for development, modeling the role of water constraints in power system reliability and efficiency, turbulent flow field measurement and analysis for conventional and hydrokinetic machines, technology reference models for small hydropower development, and quantification of biological responses to hydropower development and operations.
Hydropower Advancement Project:
The resurgence of interest in hydropower production is being driven by the push for clean energy and the competitive environment of the hydroelectric industry. Efforts made by the Hydropower Advancement Project (HAP) are designed to help bring hydropower in the United States to the forefront in the nation's quest for better, more efficient use of existing, energy-generating resources. The legacy footprint of hydropower facilities in the U.S. has aged significantly and most are operating below maximum efficiency or capacity levels. However, the industry consensus is that hydropower is poised to double its contribution to the nation's power supply. A major barrier standing in the way of advancement is the high cost for modernization projects, which include upgrading and retrofitting existing dams. HAP's purpose is to provide standardized guidelines of the best technologies and practices in the hydropower industry, enabling hydro owners to determine the most effective operational procedures and equipment upgrades for their facilities. To learn more click here.
