Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.E002
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, E002 (2022)
Small hydropower plants in the aspect of sustainable hydro energy
Michał Dziedzic1
1 Institute of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Sq. 24, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland
* Corresponding author: michal.dziedzic@upwr.edu.pl
Abstract
The problem of sustainable development is now a very important aspect that concerns many areas, including energy, environmental protection and the management of natural resources. Rational use of energy from renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, is one of the most important components of sustainable development, bringing measurable environmental and energy effects. The constantly growing share of renewable energy sources in the fuel and energy balance improves the condition of the environment by reducing pollution to the atmosphere and water. The small hydropower sector is now becoming an attractive source of investment. It allows for stable energy production, which is produced in an environmentally neutral way, without gas emissions and without the use of fossil fuels, and is a competitive source, replacing the traditional conventional energy. In Poland, the hydropower potential is currently used at a low level of 20%. As part of the Restor Hydro project also carried out in Poland, over 8,000 possible locations of small hydropower plants were placed on the Restor Hydro Map. On the rivers in Poland, there are many old, damaged and currently unused facilities, such as: water mills, water channels and weirs. The construction of hydropower plants in these places allows for the reconstruction of the damaged hydrotechnical infrastructure. The new investments will help to restore proper flow in rivers and reduce the risk of flooding. These activities will bring many environmental benefits, in particular the migration of water organisms. Fish ladders built as facilities accompanying hydroelectric power plants may ensure ascending and descending migration of fish species occurring and potentially possible in a given section of the river.
How to cite
M. Dziedzic, 2022. Small hydropower plants in the aspect of sustainable hydro energy. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/E002