US could add 23,000 MW of hydro capacity by 2025: EPRI

Washington (Platts)--2Apr2007

US hydropower capacity could increase by about 23,000 MW by 2025,
according to a study released Monday by the Electric Power Research Institute.
The study reviewed the possible contributions of waterpower technologies
to US renewable energy supplies by 2010 and 2025 and found potential for
generation expansion at existing facilities, at dams without powerhouses, at
new small and low-power developments and from new technologies such as ocean
and hydro kinetic power. Hydropower generation already represents 75% of the
nation's renewable resources.
Based on assessments by the Department of Energy, EPRI and the industry,
the report found that overall resource potential for hydropower in 2025 could
range from 85,000 MW to 95,000 MW. EPRI estimates the potential increase could
include 10,000 MW from conventional hydropower, 3,000 MW from new hydrokinetic
technologies and 10,000 MW from ocean wave energy devices. "These estimates
could be significantly increased if economic incentives and regulatory
processing for the waterpower technology industry are enhanced," EPRI said.
In the next five years, the report estimated there could be more than 720
MW added at existing facilities, while ocean and kinetic power technologies
continue to be developed. "Commercialization of new technologies and
capital-intensive energy projects requires time" and research, development,
demonstration and deployment, EPRI noted.
The study also found that generation efficiency in existing conventional
hydropower could improve 5% or more in the next five years, which according to
DOE estimates would be equivalent to the power needs of about 8 million
households in 2001.
This total potential can be achieved through a public/private sector
advanced water energy initiative (AWEI) "that captures real energy production
potential through a combined effort of committed RDD&D and economic stimulus,"
EPRI said. The AWEI program would provide guidance and funding support of $212
million by 2010 and $377 million by the end of 2015. It also would foster the
development and commercialization of new water technologies such as wave and
tidal power, EPRI said.
EPRI also recommended that Congress extend the production tax credit and
clean renewable energy bond programs to 2015, something the organization said
would foster investment for modernizing infrastructure at hydropower
facilities and encourage investment in new facilities at existing dams.
--Esther Whieldon, esther_whieldon@platts.com