Jan Borchert, Current Hydro The first step in system design for a dam-free micro-hydro project at the Second Falls (Site 2) of the Saw Kill is identifying the best location for intake, conveyance system, and outlet of the hydropower system (see previous posts to review relevant technical requirements). The vertical and horizontal distances, as well […]
Jan Borchert, Current Hydro Now that we’ve covered the basics of dam-free micro-hydropower, it’s time to assess the potential sites the Lower Saw Kill has to offer. As mentioned in an earlier post, there are three waterfalls that could be potential dam-free micro-hydropower projects. The three potential sites are: The lower falls, between the mouth […]
Jan Borchert, Current Hydro Dam-free microhydro is an alternative to upgrading existing dams to generate hydropower. The concept is based on the most fundamental requirements of hydropower generation; all that is needed is an elevation change and sufficient water flow. Dam-free hydropower can offer the benefit of renewable energy generation in a run-of-river setting, without […]
Jan Borchert, Current Hydro Many of the concerns associated with hydropower are caused by dams and dam impoundments rather than the hydropower technology (the actual generating equipment) itself. So let’s talk about those general concerns and about the very site-specific concerns related to the 2016 design plans for reusing the historic hydropower system. General Hydropower […]
Jan Borchert, Current Hydro In the first assessment of the Saw Kill’s micro-hydropower potential, one focal point was the Lower Saw Kill Dam as it historically was the site of a small hydroelectric power plant. The 2016 technical feasibility assessment of installing micro hydropower at the Lower Saw Kill Dam recommend utilizing aspects of that […]
Jan Borchert, Current Hydro The dam-free micro-hydro feasibility study identified three possible project sites, one at each of the three waterfalls on Bard’s property. All three provide about the same amount of water flow but significantly different elevation changes and settings. If you haven’t, read about the Motivation and Objectives of this project. Location The […]
Jan Borchert, Current Hydro Dam-free Micro-Hydro is a new concept, both as a powerful solution to reversing global warming in Project Drawdown (a subset of the category ‘small hydropower’)…and also new on our website. So far, we’ve spoken about historic dams and the existing infrastructure, impoundments and various environmental, ecological and water quality impacts related […]
Erik Kiviat, Hudsonia Renewable energy generation is generally lighter on the environment than fossil fuel generation. However, all kinds of energy development have impacts, and, because renewable generation technologies are being rapidly developed and deployed, in place at a large scale, we need to better understand those impacts. In 2016-2017, under the NYSERDA grant to […]
Jan Borchert, Current Hydro Submitting a final application for exemption from Licensing with FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) is a complex endeavor, where details can decide if FERC accepts the application, or not. Here is an update on the Annandale process, our final application and a project revision. Those of you following the Annandale FERC […]
Jan Borchert, Current Hydro This post is about How the State agencies responded to our Joint Application Form that we’ve submitted on February 20th, 2020 to apply for 401 Water Quality Certification, a permit for Section 404 Clean Water Act, and Coastal Consistency Concurrence (see State and Local Permitting – Step 2 for details). These […]