World news |
of the Revitalization Agreement formally acknowledges our commitment to address the legacy of our historic projects with the Red River Métis,” said Jay Grewal, President and CEO, Manitoba Hydro. “It’s a vital step forward in our long-term relationship with the MMF and I’m pleased we were able to work together to achieve such an important milestone.” The Revitalization Agreement includes commitments to establish a long-term Revitalization Fund, a defined forum for ongoing dialogue between Manitoba Hydro and the MMF, and formal processes for working together on future Manitoba Hydro developments.
China GE Vernova chosen for Xiangjiaba project upgrade GE Vernova revealed today it has been selected by Yangtze Power to carry out a substantial upgrade for the Xiangjiaba Hydropower Plant located in China. GE’s work will span the design, manufacturing, delivery, installation, and commissioning of three sets of main shaft air supply pipes. Anticipated to conclude in the first half of 2024, the upgrade aims to fortify the plant’s efficiency by enhancing the sealing mechanism. The 6.4GW Xiangjiaba Hydropower Plant was commissioned in 2014 and stands as a prominent fixture downstream of the Jinsha River. With eight hydropower units, it ranks among China’s largest hydroelectric installations. Notably, this enterprise plays a pivotal role in funneling clean energy from the western regions to the eastern parts of the country, catering to approximately five million people annually. Beyond its power-generation role, the project champions flood control, augments shipping conditions, and facilitates agricultural irrigation in the vicinity. Roberta Galli, Hydro Power Services Leader
at GE Vernova, said: “This project builds on GE’s and Yangtze Power’s long-lasting relationship to unleash the potential of hydropower in China. From Pumped Storage to Services, China still has a huge potential to integrate more renewable and reliable energy into the grid and accelerate the energy transition in the country and beyond.”
With an installed capacity of 391GW, China is the world’s largest producer of hydropower..
Australia
New fish passage enhances Fitzroy Barrage ecosystem, courtesy of Rookwood Weir In a step towards bolstering aquatic biodiversity and habitat connectivity, a $7 million fishway project is set to revolutionize the Fitzroy Barrage ecosystem. This fishway, an integral component of the Rookwood Weir Project, aims to facilitate safe movement of 31 native fish species along the Lower Fitzroy River system.
Announced by the Honourable Glenn
Butcher, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, and Minister for Water, the new fishway design incorporates ‘cone’ type blocks to enable seamless migration of smaller fish upstream and downstream, effectively connecting fish populations across the river. The construction of this fishway is one of six additional projects within the overarching Rookwood Weir Project, which is strategically designed to enhance water infrastructure while promoting ecological well-being. The project’s delivery is well on course, with construction progress exceeding the 90% mark, a testament to its swift and effective execution. The fishway’s introduction at the Fitzroy Barrage, situated downstream of the Rookwood Weir at Rockhampton, showcases the collaborative efforts between Sunwater and the Rockhampton Regional Council. Notably, this project fosters not only environmental gains but also economic benefits, generating employment opportunities and driving growth in the Central Queensland region. “The fish lock and fish passage as part of the Rookwood Weir project is a great example of environmental, economic and social benefits being delivered hand in hand,” commented Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, highlighting the multi-faceted advantages of this innovative project. The landmark Rookwood Weir, located
upstream of the Fitzroy Barrage, introduces a pioneering fish lock system, providing a mechanism for species migration. The newly introduced fishway at the Fitzroy Barrage further amplifies this effort, ensuring that fish populations can access their natural habitats with greater ease and frequency. In conjunction with road upgrades and bridge construction, this fish passage initiative is a key component of the Rookwood Weir Project’s comprehensive approach to fostering regional growth, environmental health, and water security. “This new fishway at the barrage will complement the innovative fish lock at the weir, with both supporting fish habitat and migration within the river,” emphasized Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher. The collaborative engagement with local authorities and stakeholders underscores the commitment of Sunwater, the project’s driving force, to minimize the environmental footprint while maximizing ecological benefits. “Working with Rockhampton Regional Council to build this new fishway will help to deliver on that objective by allowing fish to make their way around water infrastructure and continue downstream,” stated Sunwater CEO, Glenn Stockton.
With the Queensland and Australian Governments contributing a total of $367.2 million and Sunwater financing the remainder, amounting to $568.9 million, the Rookwood Weir Project is a substantial investment in the region’s future.
6 | October 2023 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Switzerland Green hydrogen production commences at site near Schiffenen Dam Groupe E has successfully kickstarted the production of green hydrogen at its plant situated near the Schiffenen dam. Currently, the company is in the process of conducting essential tests and making adjustments to prepare for the complete utilization of the facilities. The objective is to have the new site capable of producing approximately 300 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, which will be used to support the decarbonization efforts in the industrial and heavy mobility sectors. Groupe E’s milestone achievement brings the first-ever industrial-scale production of green hydrogen molecules to western Switzerland. The recent commissioning of two 1 MW electrolyzers at the site near Schiffenen dam signifies a significant step forward in sustainable energy technology. Throughout the ongoing testing phase,
controlled amounts of hydrogen molecules are being produced and released into the environment, posing no threat to local communities or ecosystems, said thr company. These tests are pivotal in validating the efficiency and reliability of the equipment, as well as ensuring the quality of the hydrogen produced.
Subsequent to the testing phase, Groupe E will transition into the operational phase, anticipated to span several months. During this period, the company’s experts will meticulously monitor on-site processes, fine-tuning various parameters to optimize performance. Once all operational standards are met, the plant will be poised for independent, full-scale operation. The Schiffenen hydrogen power plant
project is pioneering in the context of western Switzerland, encompassing the entire hydrogen supply chain within a single location. At the heart of this initiative is the endowment turbine, located near the dam. This turbine operates consistently to maintain water flow for aquatic life and supplies the necessary electricity for water electrolysis, a key process in hydrogen production. Notably, surplus electricity generated, amounting to approximately 8,000 hours annually, is harnessed for this purpose. The produced hydrogen is then compressed, stored in tanks, and readied for road transportation, catering to regional demand. Groupe E’s vision for the project involves an annual production target of 300 tons of green hydrogen, free from any carbon emissions.
Portugal
CorPower Ocean deploys first C4 Wave Energy Converter in Portugal
CorPower Ocean has achieved the successful installation of its first commercial-scale Wave Energy Converter (WEC) in northern Portugal, marking a significant stride in advancing wave
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
