Geomorphic impacts of run-of-river hydro projects

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Renewable energy technologies are being promoted around the globe to mitigate the effects of climate change. River diversion, or run-of-river (RoR) hydropower, has emerged as a key renewable energy source, that is viewed as an alternative to traditional storage-based dams that are known to have major impacts on river systems. It has been reasoned that geomorphic impacts of RoR projects should be negligible, because they can pass sediment. This assumption has not been critically assessed. Current practice to assess the geomorphic impacts is rudimentary field monitoring of existing individual projects. Understanding the impacts of RoR projects in the field will take decades and comprehensive field programs that will produce the data necessary have yet to be designed and implemented. Through collaboration with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. (Innergex), we will develop an environmental assessment tool designed to predict geomorphic impacts associated with sediment disruption that is caused by run-of-river hydroelectric development. The tool is based on a one-dimensional morphodynamic model used to assess the impacts of temporary sediment supply disruption following RoR dam closure. It can be implemented to assess local and downstream impacts. This will allow Innergex to assess impacts before projects are built and develop efficient sediment management practices that will improve operation of their facilities while preserving high-value salmon habitat downstream.