Geomorphic impacts of run-of-river hydro projects

可再生能源技术正在全球推广，以减轻气候变化的影响。 引河，或称径流水电，已成为一种关键的可再生能源，即 被视为对河流有重大影响的传统蓄水坝的替代方案 系统。有人认为，RoR项目对地貌的影响应该可以忽略不计，因为它们可以 通过沉淀物。这一假设还没有经过严格的评估。当前评估地貌的做法 影响是对现有个别项目的基本实地监测。了解RoR的影响 该领域的项目将需要数十年的时间和全面的现场计划，以产生必要的数据 还有待设计和实施。通过与Innergex可再生能源公司的合作。 (Innergex)，我们将开发一个旨在预测地貌影响的环境评估工具 与径流水电开发造成的泥沙破坏有关。该工具基于 用于评估临时输沙影响的一维地貌动力学模型 ROR大坝关闭后的中断。它可以用来评估当地和下游的影响。这 将允许Innergex在项目建成之前评估影响并开发高效的沉积物管理 这些做法将改善其设施的运营，同时保护下游高价值的鲑鱼栖息地。

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.