Hydro power projects using run-of-river technology are built on rivers that maintain a steady, consistent flow, either naturally or by storing water in a large reservoir at the head of the river, which provides a steady flow of water for power stations down-river.
Unlike traditional hydroelectric facilities, such as dams, run of river projects do not require damming of water. When large dams are built, the flow of the dammed river is radically changed and large areas of land are often flooded, including wildlife habitat and vegetation.
In run-of-the river projects, some water is diverted from the river, sent into an enclosed pipe-called a penstock-that delivers water to hydraulic turbines, located downhill. The natural force of gravity in a run of river project creates energy required to spin the turbines that generate electricity. Water leaves the generating station and returns to the river without altering existing flow or water levels.
The BC Hydro Clean Call aligns with the February 27, 2007 British Columbia Energy Plan, which indicates that at least 90% of all electricity generated in British Columbia must continue to come from renewable and clean sources. The act also expects the Province to achieve electricity self-sufficiency by 2016.
Run-of-river power generation offers long operational life-times for power plant in excess of 25 years with minimal maintenance. For smaller, grid-connected systems the payback time on original investment is often just a few years.
Another advantage to run-of-river power generation is that this green electricity generation is far more consistent than wind or solar power systems because electrical power can be generated 24 hours a day every day of the year.
Low or non-polluting, climate-friendly energy, must be a major component of any strategy to reduce the world's dependence upon fossil fuels and moving towards sustainable energy generation in the future. In order to be considered "green power" it must be generated using renewable resources and also have minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Syntaris Power Corporation has developed three core projects for submission to the BC Hydro Clean Call for Power. These renewable energy projects represent a total estimated capacity of 104 Megawatts of electrical power. All three run-of-river projects offer easy access to the existing power transmission grid. By clustering its projects in a localized area, Syntaris can capture economies of scale with lower infrastructure and construction while leaving a minimal footprint on the environment.
Hydroelectricity can be very efficient and clean. Several technologies for converting the energy of moving water into electrical power are currently being used throughout the world. Hydroelectricity has been an important component of the energy systems throughout Canada and around the world for many years.
Syntaris Power Corporation has developed three core projects for submission to the BC Hydro Clean Call for Power. These renewable energy projects represent a total estimated capacity of 104 Megawatts of electrical power:
http://syntarispower.com
This site has been inspired by the work of Dr David Korten who argues that capitalism is at a critical juncture due to environmental, economic and social breakdown. This site argues for alternatives to capitalism in order to create a better world.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
What is Run-of-River Power Generation?
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Alternative Energy
Saving the Delaware River from Pollution
Delaware is rich in natural resources and it's one of the state assets. Its sandy soil is fertile and well-watered ideal for agricultural purposes. Some minerals that are found in the state are mainly sand and gravel. But as time goes by, we cannot ignore the fact that the state is eventually losing its resources. These are because of improper handling of these resources by irresponsible waste disposal and abusing its functionality. Right now, Delaware is facing a battle against pollution.
The Delaware River is the largest oil port in the mid-Atlantic. This contains five of the largest East Coast refineries. Ship and barge traffic to ports in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey creates a significant potential for oil spills which is dangerous to the river and its natural inhabitants. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is part of the intercoastals waterway and many vessels transit this route up the eastern seaboard. This adds up to the contamination of the river.
Aside from this, improper disposal of waste remains a big factor of the contamination. Elevated levels of persistent contaminants from current and ongoing sources, including waste sites, impact freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, historically important rivers, and fisheries (recreational and commercial) in Delaware has also become a big concern. It is well researched and documented that there is more than enough water in the Upper Delaware River for all the Decree Parties and for healthy aquatic habitat for the trout species in the Neversink, East and West branches, and Main Stem of the river. With that being said, the Delaware River plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Significant habitat impacts have occurred in Delaware River which is the focus of restoration efforts. Restoration projects, including ecological restoration, are a critical component of revitalization efforts in Delaware River from both an economic and environmental concerns.
NOAA's Damage Assessment, Remediation and Restoration Program (DARRP) acts as a trustee to protect the natural inhabitants on behalf of the public. DARRP collaborates with federal, state, and tribal entities and also works with cleanup agencies (such as EPA), local organizations, and the public. They are responsible for the incident to protect coastal and marine natural resources, respond to discharges of oil and hazardous substances, assess risks and injuries to natural resources and restore injured natural resources and related socioeconomic benefits.
DARRP work cooperatively with those responsible for the incident develop innovative approaches and techniques for remediation and restoration, work with the public to select restoration options to compensate for injuries to natural resources and design and implement or oversee natural inhabitant restoration projects and monitor their success.
DARRP Accomplishments so far includes the restoration and protection of 530 acres of marine habitats in Delaware. Right now, they are working for the immediate preservation of Delaware River. The cooperation of Delaware citizens will be a great help to expedite the process. Saving the Delaware River is not DARRP battle alone, its every Delaware's citizen's battle that is has to be won for the benefit of the future generations.
Richard Barthallo writes for homeowners. Additional information available at:
http://www.localrestorations.com/Delaware
The Delaware River is the largest oil port in the mid-Atlantic. This contains five of the largest East Coast refineries. Ship and barge traffic to ports in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey creates a significant potential for oil spills which is dangerous to the river and its natural inhabitants. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is part of the intercoastals waterway and many vessels transit this route up the eastern seaboard. This adds up to the contamination of the river.
Aside from this, improper disposal of waste remains a big factor of the contamination. Elevated levels of persistent contaminants from current and ongoing sources, including waste sites, impact freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, historically important rivers, and fisheries (recreational and commercial) in Delaware has also become a big concern. It is well researched and documented that there is more than enough water in the Upper Delaware River for all the Decree Parties and for healthy aquatic habitat for the trout species in the Neversink, East and West branches, and Main Stem of the river. With that being said, the Delaware River plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Significant habitat impacts have occurred in Delaware River which is the focus of restoration efforts. Restoration projects, including ecological restoration, are a critical component of revitalization efforts in Delaware River from both an economic and environmental concerns.
NOAA's Damage Assessment, Remediation and Restoration Program (DARRP) acts as a trustee to protect the natural inhabitants on behalf of the public. DARRP collaborates with federal, state, and tribal entities and also works with cleanup agencies (such as EPA), local organizations, and the public. They are responsible for the incident to protect coastal and marine natural resources, respond to discharges of oil and hazardous substances, assess risks and injuries to natural resources and restore injured natural resources and related socioeconomic benefits.
DARRP work cooperatively with those responsible for the incident develop innovative approaches and techniques for remediation and restoration, work with the public to select restoration options to compensate for injuries to natural resources and design and implement or oversee natural inhabitant restoration projects and monitor their success.
DARRP Accomplishments so far includes the restoration and protection of 530 acres of marine habitats in Delaware. Right now, they are working for the immediate preservation of Delaware River. The cooperation of Delaware citizens will be a great help to expedite the process. Saving the Delaware River is not DARRP battle alone, its every Delaware's citizen's battle that is has to be won for the benefit of the future generations.
Richard Barthallo writes for homeowners. Additional information available at:
http://www.localrestorations.com/Delaware
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