Breathe New Life Into Aging Hydroelectric Plants
Date Posted: July 7, 2020
Posted In: Ideas,
by Andrew Roedel, Structural Engineer, Burns & McDonnell
Amid increased efforts to decarbonize the power industry, hydroelectric plants can offer immediate access to clean energy. Unfortunately, the vast majority of existing plants have far outlived their systems and infrastructure. Rather than retirement, opportunities abound to upgrade these aging facilities with current technology and boost operational efficiencies.
According to a 2017 research study conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA), hydroelectric generators are among the oldest U.S. power plants. With an average age of 64 years, hydroelectric plants account for 99% of all current operating capacity built before 1930. Despite their age, though, these existing facilities hold great potential for continued decarbonized generation without having to build something new.
However, embarking on an upgrade within a facility built in the 1950s or earlier is not without its challenges. Modern electrical equipment is significantly different and requires new accommodations for sizing variances, maintenance requirements, and environmental and safety codes. Updates must adhere to new standards for oil discharge locations, access guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and fire containment requirements from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Therefore, upfront and detailed planning and budgeting for these projects needs to include not only the electrical and mechanical equipment replacements but also the surrounding auxiliary modifications.