microhydro for RE portfolio standards [RE-wrenches]

[Eric Youngren]

Why is microhydro not considered "renewable energy" in most of the states
that have passed mandatory renewable energy portfolio standards (RPS) for
utilities?

 

http://www.awea.org/legislative/pdf/State_RPS_Fact_Sheet_UPdated.pdf

 

 

In my mind a well designed and installed microhydro system connected to the
utility grid is producing electricity that is just as renewable and
non-polluting as a wind generator or a landfill gas plant or CSP array.   

 

Is anyone working on developing a standard for truly low impact microhydro?
I know there is the Low Impact Hydropower Institute with their certification
program but those guys are dealing with major dams on navigable rivers.
I'm talking about the really small stuff on creeks in the headwaters.  Run
of the river systems of less than a certain kW rating, maybe.    

 

Obviously hydropower has a troubled history when it comes to environmental
damage.   Dams can really screw up an ecosystem.     But I'm not talking
about dams.   Well designed and installed run of the river systems are no
more impacting to the environment than a wind farm or a big methane
digester.    

 

In some parts of the country the available resource for distributed
generation of firm power from micro and pico hydro is pretty huge.    Direct
grid connection with induction motor/generators is simple and robust or
rectified DC fed into a Windyboy or similar batteryless inverter is an
off-the-shelf configuration available now with a UL sticker to make the
inspector and utility happy.    

 

Inclusion on state and federal incentives, tax credits and portfolio
standards would make a lot more installations cost effective and provide
more work for those of us who like to drag pipes around in the woods.

 

Is there anybody else out there who is doing anything about this?

 

Eric Youngren

Rainshadow Solar

Orcas, WA

 

 


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