Concerns about the environment and long-term energy supply have created an increasing demand for innovative renewable energy solutions. However, renewable energy technologies have different characteristics, and some analysis is required to evaluate the feasibility of using a particular renewable energy source at a given location.
Task Conditions
Task Description
Part A
Topic : Hydropower (Essay topic chosen)
conduct research to identify a viable renewable energy solution for that location (select from solar, wind, hydrogen, hydro and pump hydro), and recommend whether this is a suitable renewable energy solution for that location through a feasibility study and produce a team report on the potential of using that energy source in that particular location.
Research question: Why is a particular Renewable Energy source suited for a particular location?
As part of the feasibility study, you may be required to perform various forms of analysis including, but not limited to:
• Energy needs of the location
• Availability of renewable sources at the location
• Distributing the generated energy to other locations
• Availability of suitable space to build a power generation plant at the location
• A hypothetical system capacity calculation
• Government Policy and incentives
• Environmental impact of construction and operation of the plant
• Social impact of construction and operation of the plant
You team report need to contain, but not limited above mentioned points. Report may be organized as following headings preliminary research, analysis & evaluation, recommendations and conclusion.
State Locations
QLD Chinchilla, Warwick, Gladstone, Wivenhow, Tinaroo
NSW New England, Yass, Hunter Valley, Kangaroo Valley, Snowy Mountains
NT Berry Springs, Elliot, Darwin
VIC Ouyen, Ararat, La Trobe Valley, Dartmouth
TAS Cape Portland, Bell Bay, Launceston
WA Geraldton, Pilbara
SA Eyre Peninsula
Full Answer Section
- Suitable topography: Hydropower plants are typically built on rivers or streams with a significant elevation drop. This allows the water to flow through the plant and generate electricity.
- Access to the electricity grid: Hydropower plants need to be connected to the electricity grid in order to deliver the generated electricity to consumers.
Feasibility Study of Hydropower in a Particular Location
To assess the feasibility of hydropower in a particular location, the following factors should be considered:
- Energy needs of the location: How much electricity does the location need?
- Availability of renewable sources at the location: How much water is available to generate electricity? What is the flow rate and elevation drop of the river or stream?
- Distributing the generated energy to other locations: How will the generated electricity be distributed to consumers?
Example:
Consider a rural community located in a mountainous region with abundant rainfall. The community has a small population and its electricity needs are relatively low. There is a river flowing through the community with a significant elevation drop. The community is not connected to the electricity grid, but there is a transmission line nearby.
In this case, hydropower could be a feasible renewable energy solution for the community. A small hydropower plant could be built on the river to generate electricity for the community. The electricity could be transmitted to the community through a short power line.
Benefits of Hydropower
Hydropower has a number of benefits, including:
- It is a renewable energy source.
- It is a clean and reliable source of energy.
- It does not produce greenhouse gases.
- It can provide flood control and other environmental benefits.
Challenges of Hydropower
Hydropower also has some challenges, including:
- Hydropower plants can be expensive to build.
- Hydropower plants can have a negative impact on fish and other aquatic life.
- Hydropower plants can be vulnerable to droughts and other climate change impacts.
Conclusion
Hydropower is a viable renewable energy solution for specific locations with abundant water resources and suitable topography. Hydropower plants can provide clean and reliable electricity for communities and businesses. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges of hydropower before developing a new hydropower project.