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country. We appreciate the support of countries that help us in such difficult times,” said Syrota, expressing gratitude for Italy’s involvement. Ambassador Formosa emphasized Italy’s commitment to Ukraine’s energy sector: “We understand the importance of this infrastructure for Ukraine and are impressed by the heroism of Ukrainian power engineers who continue to work in the face of extraordinary challenges. We will actively contribute to implementing restoration projects.” Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and identified key areas for joint energy projects. This meeting follows the February 17, 2024, signing of a Guarantee Agreement between Ukraine, the EBRD, and the Italian Government to support the Hydropower Emergency Restoration Project. The agreement, signed on behalf of Italy by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, and a corresponding loan agreement with Ukrhydroenergo, aims to stabilize Ukraine’s energy system by supplying and installing necessary equipment for two hydroelectric power plants. The project is vital for maintaining the continuous operation of the country’s large hydroelectric facilities amidst ongoing conflict.
US Hydropower generation expected to rise in the US despite climate uncertainty
A new study suggests that hydropower generation across the continental US is likely to increase with climate change, although certain regions may experience drier conditions and decreased production. The study, published on August 8 in
Environmental Research Letters, shows that while warmer temperatures will bring more rain instead of snow in the Pacific Northwest, reducing winter snowpack, hydropower generation is still projected to rise in most areas. This shift will require water managers and grid operators to adjust how and when dams produce electricity. “We know the climate is changing and we know that’ll affect how much water will be available to produce hydropower,” said Daniel Broman, a hydro-climatologist at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and lead author of the study. “Our research provides a consistent look across the country, so even if water and energy planners are only looking ahead regionally, our data can provide a broader outlook.” Hydropower, which provides 6% of the US’ electricity and 60% in the Pacific Northwest, involves more than power generation. It also supports flood control, transportation, irrigation, fisheries, and natural ecosystems. Climate change impacts on hydropower will affect all these areas, making it critical for planners to understand future water availability. The research team, including scientists from PNNL and Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
analyzed streamflow and hydropower generation data from 1,544 facilities across the US. They used models to predict water flow changes due to climate change for two future periods: 2020–2039 and 2040–2059. Results indicate a general increase in
hydropower production of about 5% in the near term and 10% in the midterm across the continental US, potentially due to higher precipitation levels as the Earth warms. However, some parts of the Southwest, already dealing with drought, may see a slight decline of 3–6% in hydropower production in the near term. Broman cautioned that because the future of climate change is uncertain, the range of possible outcomes for hydropower generation is wide. “Seasonal changes could also have big implications for how water is managed across the country,” he added. The study found that winter hydropower generation may increase by 12% in the near term and 18% in the midterm. Conversely, in the summer, hydropower generation may decrease by 1–5% in the western US, while the eastern regions could see a rise of 1–5%, both in the near term.
Changes in snowpack also affect hydropower generation. Historically, mountain snowpack has stored water until late spring and summer, generating electricity when it melts. But as temperatures rise, snow melts earlier, resulting in less water for summer electricity production. “Snow is storage. If the snow melts earlier, it changes the timing and volume of water availability,” said Nathalie Voisin, chief scientist for water-energy dynamics at PNNL and coauthor of the study. Despite potential seasonal declines, Voisin emphasized hydropower’s reliability as a renewable energy source. “Hydropower can be dispatched as needed and provide stability to the grid as a whole,” she said. Broman and Voisin hope their findings will help power system operators and water managers make better decisions about hydropower’s role in a changing climate. “Utilities may be thinking about hydropower generation under climate change for their own region, but the electricity grid is bigger than that,” Broman noted. The study was supported by the Department
of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office.
Sweden
Downing Renewables to acquire three Swedish hydropower plants Downing Renewables & Infrastructure Trust Plc (DORE) announced its commitment to acquire three hydropower plants in Sweden, along with their associated storage reservoirs, for approximately £5 million. The plants – Hagby, Gyttorp, and Hammarby – are located on the Norasjön River in Örebro County within Sweden’s SE3 electricity price region. The
6 | October 2024 |
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combined expected annual average production of the plants is around 7 GWh, with a potential increase to 7.5 GWh after planned upgrades. Gyttorp and Hagby were constructed in 1946 and 1952, respectively, and underwent major refurbishments in 2007. Hammarby was built in 1982 and has recently received a significant upgrade. The acquisition will expand DORE’s
hydropower portfolio into the SE3 region and increase its total assets to 37, with a forecasted annual average production of around 222 GWh. The plants’ storage capabilities will contribute to what DORE describes as an “attractive revenue profile,” with significant production during winter months. Tom Williams, Partner and Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Downing LLP, stated: “We are excited to expand our hydropower portfolio across the SE3 region in Sweden with the addition of these three new hydropower plants on the Norasjön River. Hydropower continues to be a key element of our investment strategy in Sweden and, by bringing these plants into DORE’s portfolio, we can benefit from cost efficiencies and our digitalisation and revenue optimisation programmes.”
Downing is also partnering with HYDROGRID
to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its hydropower operations in Sweden. This collaboration will focus on digitalising Downing’s 32 hydropower plants using advanced technology to boost performance and automation. The project is set to begin in September 2024.
US
Biden-Harris Administration allocates $430 million for hydropower upgrades The Biden-Harris Administration announced it will invest $430 million in 293 hydroelectric improvement projects across 33 states. The funding, part of the Investing in America agenda, will enhance dam safety, improve grid resilience, and support environmental and recreational upgrades at aging hydropower facilities. Administered by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Deployment Office and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program targets facilities with an average age of 79 years. The initiative aims to enhance dam safety, improve grid resilience at 215 facilities, and protect 6,000 existing jobs at hydropower facilities as well as contractors and vendors. “Hydropower has reliably kept America running for almost 150 years—and the Biden- Harris Administration is ensuring these long- standing facilities can continue the steady flow of clean power,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Today’s funding will expand and modernize our hydropower fleet, while protecting thousands of American jobs.”
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