Technical, environmental and economic feasibility of introducing added storage to run of river mini hydro plants to improve dispatchability

Abstract

Hydropower is the oldest and the main renewable source of electricity generation in Sri Lanka. It has two main sources i.e. conventional and non-conventional. The available conventional hydro resource in Sri Lanka has already been harnessed to its maximum economic potential. The nonconventional hydropower generation i.e. mini-hydropower generation is predominantly run of river type. Yet, they are not dispatchable and operate when the flow of water is available. When analyzing the distribution of mini hydro projects, there are a number of locations having the capability of the addition of a storage capacity. It allows the plant to capture a certain amount of water to operate when it is required. This paper presents a comprehensive feasibility analysis of introducing dispatchable mini hydro plants to Sri Lankan power sector through low cost high efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions. In this research, a technical, economic and environmental feasibility of introducing storage capacity is evaluated for Bulathwatta Mini Hydro Plant (MHP) and Batathota Mini Hydro Plant (MHP). The potential increment of minihydropower generation is evaluated with coal and fossil fuel displacement.