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interconnect the TCT and the KSM plant site. This KSM transmission line is scheduled to be constructed in 2023 with completion and commissioning planned for late 2024 to be ready for connection to the TCT. Previous studies at KSM originally incorporated diesel power for construction activities, with hydropower to be supplied later from BC Hydro’s NTL for operations. Connecting to BC Hydro’s NTL earlier than previously planned provides a number of significant ESG and economic advantages. “We are delighted to take our relationship with BC Hydro to the next level,” said Seabridge Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk. “Having access to low-cost hydro power is one of many logistical advantages KSM enjoys compared to other large undeveloped gold and copper projects around the world. The recently announced US$225 million funding from Sprott Resource Streaming and Royalty Corp. and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan provides the capital necessary for our work with BC Hydro as well as our other substantially started activities.”
US
FERC releases draft Environmental Impact Statement for Klamath Dam removal The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has released its draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of the Klamath River Renewal project. The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) and its partners are reviewing the draft EIS, which describes the impacts and benefits of the project. KRRC said it is grateful that FERC staff recommends approval of KRRC’s License Surrender application, concluding that the, “environmental and public benefits of the proposed action, with additional staff recommendations, would exceed those of the no-action alternative (status quo).” KRRC said it is continuing to focus efforts on obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals, including a final EIS and a License Surrender Order, to commence the largest dam removal and river restoration effort in US history. A final EIS is expected by September 2022. If everything goes ahead, KRRC plans removal of four dams on the Klamath River in 2023. The dams are J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2, and Iron Gate.
Global New hydro technology developed for mountainous regions An international team of researchers has developed new hydropower technology based on electric trucks that could provide a flexible solution for electricity generation in mountainous regions. Researchers including Julian Hunt from the International Institute for Applied Systems
6 | April 2022 |
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Analysis (IIASA) published a study on new technology called Electric Truck Hydropower in the Energy Journal. The technology presented in the study would use the existing road infrastructure to transport water down the mountain in containers, applying the regenerative brakes of the electric truck to turn the potential energy of the water into electricity and charge the truck’s battery. The generated energy could then be sold to the grid or used by the truck itself to transport other goods. Electric Truck Hydropower could also generate electricity in combination with solar and wind resources or provide energy storage services to the grid. “The ideal system configuration is in mountainous regions with steep roads, where the same electric trucks can be used to generate hydroelectric power from different locations. This increases the chances that water will be available,” explained Hunt. According to the study. the proposed
technology would be competitive with solar, wind, and conventional hydropower. Cost estimates show that the levelized cost of Electric Truck Hydropower is US$30-100 perMWh, which is cheaper than conventional hydropower at US$50-200 per MWh. The researchers also suggest that the
environmental impacts of Electric Truck Hydropower are also smaller than that of conventional hydropower. “This technology does not require dams, reservoirs, or tunnels, and it does not disrupt the natural flow of the river and fish passage. The system requires only roads, which already exist, charging and discharging stations similar to small car parks, a battery facility connected to the grid, and the trucks,” said Hunt.
When looking at the global reach of this
technology, the research team estimated that Electric Truck Hydropower could generate 1226TWh electricity per year, which is equivalent to about 4% of global energy consumption in 2019. The technology could harness the previously untapped potential for hydropower on steep mountain ranges. The regions with the highest potential are the Himalayas and the Andes. “It is an interesting electricity generation
alternative due to its high flexibility. For example, if a country is in an energy crisis, it can buy several electric trucks to generate hydropower. Once the crisis is over, the trucks can be used to transport cargo,” Hunt said.
Scotland Funds to help commercial roll-out of Mocean Energy’s wave energy technology Wave power developer Mocean Energy is set to advance the design of its Blue Star wave machine thanks to major new equity funding. The Scottish firm secured £730,000 in a funding round led by Equity Gap, with investment received from Scottish Enterprise
and Old College Capital, the University of Edinburgh’s in-house venture investment fund. This is on top of £862,000 in funding raised back in 2020. Mocean Energy’s Blue X prototype completed successful trials last year at the European Wave Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. This year, the company will start fabricating Blue Star 10 – a 10kW machine based around the Blue X design which will begin commercial trials in 2023. In parallel, it is developing its next-generation Blue Star 20, a 20kW machine based on a new optimised geometry, which will include solar panels and a novel direct drive generator, with trials and rollout targeted for 2024-25, Managing Director Cameron McNatt.
India
NHPC sets up new firm for renewable developments India’s NHPC has set up a new wholly owned subsidiary company for the development of renewable projects, including small hydro, and green hydrogen.
NHPC Renewable Energy Limited has been set up as NHPC, which is predominately a hydropower developer, plans to increase the share of renewable energy in its generation portfolio.
“NHPC’s has envisaged to become a global leading organization for sustainable development of clean power,” said Shri A.K. Singh, CMD, NHPC. “The incorporation of NHPC Renewable Energy Limited shows our deep commitment towards tapping Renewable Energy which helps in reduction of carbon emissions and in producing clean and green energy.” The formation of a separate renewable
energy unit was given the green light by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management and NITI Aayog in December 2021. The new company will develop renewable energy projects either in Stand- alone mode or through the formation of Special Purpose Vehicles with collaboration of other agencies. Currently, NHPC’s total installed generation capacity stands at 7071MW which includes 100MW of Solar/ Wind energy-based plants. Another 5999MW of hydro and 105MW of solar is under construction.
Nepal Work underway on Upper Trishuli 1 project, Nepal Preparatory works for construction of the 216MW Upper Trishuli 1 run-of-river hydropower project in Nepal have begun, Tractebel has announced. The firm, which is owner’s engineer for the
project, has had its project team on site since the beginning of January, with the kick off meeting held in February. Three experts from
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