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The company said it has initiated an innovative project, GPS Hydro, based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), to enable precision geo-spatial positioning – at any point on the Earth’s surface – for all devices equipped with receivers. GNSS has already been adopted in other
contexts for precision surveying, for example, for cartography; but the systematic monitoring of hydroelectric infrastructure had specific requirements. The feasibility and suitability of the technique had to be verified, even in unfavorable conditions for satellite visibility such as mountainous terrain, tall buildings and other structures, or vegetation. The company began an experiment at four sample sites, three in Italy and one in Spain: two dams (Gusana in Sardinia and Alanno in Abruzzo) and two hydraulic pipelines (Gandellino in Lombardy and Pampaneira in Andalusia).
Gioacchino Bellia, Head of Hydro Innovation at Enel Green Power, said these facilities were chosen because they were representative of four different types: an earthen dam, a concrete dam and two pipelines. “At each of the four sites, the validity of the
technology was tested for both signal reliability and data accuracy,” Bellia explained. “The results have been decidedly positive, so much so that we have already initiated two additional projects in Italy and are considering others, in Spain and other countries where we are operative.” The GNSS technique consists of placing one or more antennas on the infrastructure for monitoring purposes. Another receiver, which serves as a reference, is placed far from the infrastructure, on stable ground. It will then process the satellite data related to the different antennas and continuously provide the position of the various monitored points. When fully deployed, GNSS will be widely used, and for different types of hydropower infrastructure. In some cases – where there are regulatory requirements – the new technology may be used in addition to traditional methods, rather than as a replacement.
US
Report finds advanced manufacturing has key role in modernising hydropower industry A new report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) suggests that advanced manufacturing and materials could be the key to modernizing the US hydropower industry. While the industry currently generates 32% of all US renewable energy, traditional manufacturing processes have hindered its ability to keep up with surging energy demand and rising material costs, the report suggests. To address these challenges, ORNL brought together representatives from the hydropower industry, advanced manufacturing industries, research institutions, and environmental
6 | May 2023 |
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groups to assess the potential for advanced manufacturing to enhance the industry’s existing fleet and design new approaches to hydropower. The report, which identifies infrastructure challenges and ways in which advanced manufacturing could improve performance, reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing, and better address environmental concerns, provides a roadmap for the industry’s future success. “Hydropower has enormous potential in securing a cleaner, more sustainable energy future,” said ORNL’s Mirko Musa. “We can build upon its success, layer by layer.” The report recommends the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and novel component coatings to improve system and component performance. It also suggests exploring new design capabilities to help the industry adapt to changing energy demand and supply chain challenges. By embracing advanced manufacturing,
the hydropower industry has the potential to remain a significant player in the renewable energy landscape for years to come, the report suggests.
Scotland
Fugro supports Coire Glas pumped storage scheme with ground investigation contract SSE Renewables has chosen Fugro to undertake ground investigation for its Coire Glas hydro pumped storage scheme located in the Great Glen in Scotland. Coire Glas has a potential capacity of up to 1500MW and is the first large-scale pumped storage scheme to be developed in the UK for more than 40 years. Fugro’s ground investigation services will help in understanding the current site conditions and assessing potential ground risks associated with future developmental phases of the scheme. The extensive site characterisation will take place between Loch Lochy, the large lower reservoir, and the new upper reservoir site, approximately 500m above in Coire Glas. Matthew Chappell, Fugro’s Service Line
Director of Site Investigation UK, said: “As pumped hydro storage will play a crucial role in the decarbonisation of the UK’s electricity supply, we are committed to collaborating with SSE Renewables to deliver our bespoke data acquisition solution to ensure the safe engineering of this critical asset.” Fugro’s site characterization will include deep
rotary cored holes, specialist in situ testing, surface and wireline geophysics, as well as advanced laboratory testing on rock samples. Fugro will use specialized all-terrain vehicles and helicopters to access the site and transport equipment due to the remote location, high elevation, and challenging weather conditions. Once testing is complete, Fugro will deliver a comprehensive factual report on ground and ground water conditions, allowing SSE
Renewables to refine the proposed project designs. All geotechnical data will be managed through Fugro’s cloud-based Geo-data engagement platform, VirGeo, providing near real-time deliverables to SSE Renewables and its consulting engineers to facilitate faster decision-making and accelerate timelines on critical milestones.
UK
BHA urges UK Government to support hydropower and save billions The British Hydropower Association (BHA) has called on the UK government to prioritize the accelerated delivery of proven, predictable, and quickly deployable hydropower technology. In the wake of the Government’s plans for Powering Up Britain, the BHA urges policymakers not to overlook the hydropower industry, which has provided net zero electricity to communities and industries in the UK and globally for over a century. The BHA has welcomed recent progress made by its members and the Welsh Government in advancing hydro technologies, including the planned development of Britain’s largest new pumped hydro storage scheme in four decades by SSE. The Welsh Government has also made funds available through the Tidal Lagoon Challenge to support new tidal lagoon projects, and the BHA has championed the role of run-of-river hydro in delivering predictable electricity to rural communities. According to Kate Gilmartin, CEO of the BHA, while the Government’s support for new and unproven technologies like CCUS and hydrogen is encouraging, it is essential to ensure that proven technologies like hydropower continue to be deployed to mitigate risks if other technologies do not materialize on time. The BHA emphasizes that the partnership between industry and government is critical to making progress and delivering energy security and a fair net-zero transition for all. The BHA remains committed to promoting a collaborative approach to advance hydropower technology and maximize its benefits. The UK Government’s Powering Up Britain
plan outlines its strategy for transitioning to a low-carbon energy system by 2050. The plan aims to tackle climate change, create jobs, and ensure energy security while maintaining affordability for consumers. The key measures include a push for renewable energy sources, including offshore wind, nuclear power, and carbon capture and storage. The plan also emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency, electrification of transportation, and the role of new technologies like hydrogen and small modular reactors. The Government says it intends to work with industry and international partners to achieve these goals, and the plan sets out specific targets and milestones to track progress.
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