Providing essential theory and useful practical techniques for implementing hydroelectric projects, this book outlines the resources, power generation technologies, applications, and strengths and weaknesses for hydroelectric technologies. Emphasizing the links between energy and the environment, it serves as a useful background resource and facilitates decision-making regarding which renewable energy technology works best for different types of applications and regions. Including examples, real-world case studies, and lessons learned, each chapter contains exercise questions, references, and ample photographs and technical drawings from actual micro hydropower plants.

"This publication, the seventh in this series issued by the Federal Power Commission, presents data as of January 1, 1976, on the capacity, generation, and other characteristics of the developed and undeveloped hydroelectric power resources of the United States. Principal statistics are shown by major drainages and river basins and by geographic divisions and States"--Page iii.

"This publication, the sixth in this series issued by the Federal Power Commission, presents data as of January 1, 1972, on the capacity, generation, and other characteristics of the developed and undeveloped hydroelectric power resources of the United States. Principal statistics are shown by major drainages and river basins and by geographic divisions and States"--Page iii.

This book deals with the narratives of water to watt, which includes elementary conceptual design, modern planning, scheduling and monitoring systems, and extensive pre- and post-investigations pertaining to hydropower facilities. It also includes explorations to ensure aspects of dam safety evaluation, effective contract management, specialized construction management techniques, and preferred material and equipment handling systems. Special emphasis is placed upon health, safety, environmental, and risk management concepts. The book discusses a standard QA/QC system to measure and assure quality and an environmental impact assessment to reach the set target in the stipulated timeline within the approved budget. Key Features: Offers comprehensive coverage of hydro-structures and practical coverage from an industry perspective Helps readers understand complexity involved in large-scale interdisciplinary projects Provides good insights on building procedures, precautions, and project management Includes project planning, construction management and hydropower technology, QA/QC, HSE, and statutory requirements Illustrates how to integrate good constructability/buildability into good design for the best monetary value

A component in the America's Energy Future study, Electricity from Renewable Resources examines the technical potential for electric power generation with alternative sources such as wind, solar-photovoltaic, geothermal, solar-thermal, hydroelectric, and other renewable sources. The book focuses on those renewable sources that show the most promise for initial commercial deployment within 10 years and will lead to a substantial impact on the U.S. energy system. A quantitative characterization of technologies, this book lays out expectations of costs, performance, and impacts, as well as barriers and research and development needs. In addition to a principal focus on renewable energy technologies for power generation, the book addresses the challenges of incorporating such technologies into the power grid, as well as potential improvements in the national electricity grid that could enable better and more extensive utilization of wind, solar-thermal, solar photovoltaics, and other renewable technologies.

The United States and China are the world's top two energy consumers and, as of 2010, the two largest economies. Consequently, they have a decisive role to play in the world's clean energy future. Both countries are also motivated by related goals, namely diversified energy portfolios, job creation, energy security, and pollution reduction, making renewable energy development an important strategy with wide-ranging implications. Given the size of their energy markets, any substantial progress the two countries make in advancing use of renewable energy will provide global benefits, in terms of enhanced technological understanding, reduced costs through expanded deployment, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to conventional generation from fossil fuels. Within this context, the U.S. National Academies, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), reviewed renewable energy development and deployment in the two countries, to highlight prospects for collaboration across the research to deployment chain and to suggest strategies which would promote more rapid and economical attainment of renewable energy goals. Main findings and concerning renewable resource assessments, technology development, environmental impacts, market infrastructure, among others, are presented. Specific recommendations have been limited to those judged to be most likely to accelerate the pace of deployment, increase cost-competitiveness, or shape the future market for renewable energy. The recommendations presented here are also pragmatic and achievable.