Hydropower is a key renewable energy source that offers numerous benefits, such as zero greenhouse gas emissions, grid stability, and energy storage through pumped storage systems. This article examines hydropower’s benefits, its role in industrial and grid applications, and how advanced control technologies, such as those offered by Petrotech, enhance efficiency and reliability in hydropower generation.

What is Hydropower?

Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, generates electricity by converting moving water into electrical energy through a well-established mechanical process. When water flows or falls, it possesses kinetic and potential energy, which is harnessed to drive turbines connected to electrical generators. As the turbines spin, they turn the rotors inside the generators, thereby producing electricity.

There are three main types of hydropower systems:

• Run-of-river: These plants generate electricity directly from the natural flow of rivers with minimal water storage. Their output varies with river flow.
• Reservoir-based: These use dams to store water in reservoirs, thus allowing control over electricity generation according to demand.
• Pumped storage: These systems act like large batteries. They pump water to higher elevations during low demand and release it to generate power when demand is high.

Hydropower contributes about one-sixth of global electricity generation. Hence, it plays a crucial role in grid reliability by balancing variable renewable sources like solar and wind.

Major Benefits of Hydropower

No Emissions and Sustainability

Hydropower is a clean energy source that produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Unlike fossil fuel power plants, it does not burn fuel or release carbon dioxide, methane, or other harmful pollutants. Because it uses water, a renewable resource replenished by the natural water cycle, hydropower is inherently sustainable. This low-carbon profile makes it a critical technology in efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Grid Stability and Load Following

One of hydropower’s key advantages is its ability to adjust output to meet changing electricity demand quickly. Hydropower plants can ramp production up or down within minutes, providing essential grid services such as frequency and voltage regulation. This flexibility helps maintain grid stability, as well as helps make the integration of variable renewable sources, such as solar and wind, possible. By balancing supply and demand in real time, hydropower supports a reliable and resilient power system.

Energy Storage via Pumped Hydro

Pumped storage hydropower acts as a large-scale energy storage system similar to a battery for the electrical grid. During periods of low electricity demand or excess renewable generation, water is pumped to an elevated reservoir. When demand rises, the stored water is released to generate electricity. This capability helps smooth out fluctuations in power supply, making it easier to integrate intermittent renewables such as solar and wind. Pumped hydro storage is currently the most widely deployed form of grid-scale energy storage worldwide.

Long Operational Lifespan and Efficiency

Hydropower plants are popular for long service life, often operating reliably for 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance. This longevity reduces the need for frequent replacement and lowers lifecycle costs. In addition, hydropower systems achieve high energy conversion efficiencies, typically between 85 and 90 percent, which is significantly better than most fossil fuel technologies. This efficiency means more of the water’s energy is converted into usable electricity, thus enhancing overall system performance.

Low Operating and Maintenance Costs

Hydropower plants generally have low operating and maintenance (O&M) costs compared to other power generation technologies. Annual O&M expenses typically range between 1.5% and 4% of the initial investment cost, which is relatively low. Because hydropower systems require minimal fuel and have durable equipment with long lifespans, maintenance mainly involves routine inspections and debris removal from intake screens. These low ongoing costs contribute to hydropower’s cost-effectiveness over its operational life.

Role of Hydropower in Industrial and Grid Applications

Hydropower provides clean, stable electricity that supports energy-intensive industrial facilities, helping reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring reliable operations.

On the grid, hydropower enhances stability by balancing variable renewable sources like solar and wind. Its quick response capability allows it to adjust output rapidly to match demand fluctuations.

Key functions include:

• Balancing intermittent renewables: Smooths power supply by compensating for solar and wind variability.
• Peak shaving and load balancing: Manages electricity demand by increasing generation during peak periods and reducing it during low demand.
• Supporting remote and islanded grids: Supplies dependable power where there is no grid connection, hence ensuring energy access for isolated areas.

These capabilities make hydropower essential for both industrial power needs and modern grid reliability.

How Advanced Control Systems Optimize Hydropower

Intelligent automation and control systems are essential for maximizing hydropower efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

• Turbine Control and Governor Systems: These systems regulate water flow and generator frequency in real time. By precisely adjusting turbine speed, they enhance response time and operational reliability. This ensures stable power output even under fluctuating river conditions.
• Predictive Maintenance and Vibration Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of mechanical components detects early signs of wear or imbalance. This proactive approach helps avoid unplanned outages and extends equipment life by scheduling maintenance before failures occur.
• Integration with SCADA and Distributed Control Systems: Petrotech’s control platforms enable remote operation, real-time diagnostics, and comprehensive data logging. They support cybersecurity measures and ensure compliance with grid regulations, facilitating seamless coordination with other power systems.

Petrotech’s Control Solutions: Maximizing Benefits of Hydropower

Petrotech leverages over 50 years of expertise in turbine control and automation with our Hydro_TR solution, designed for run-of-river and other hydropower systems. Hydro_TR offers advanced, flexible control by continuously monitoring key parameters to optimize turbine performance and maximize efficiency. Also, it supports multiple control modes, automated start-up and shutdown, and integrates easily with existing infrastructure thanks to its modular, IEC 61131-compliant design. Scalable from single turbines to large fleets, including remote sites, our solution ensures reliable operation and seamless grid integration. We also provide turnkey engineering, installation, and commissioning services to deliver complete hydropower optimization. 

For a detailed overview of our approach and technology, please refer to our white paper, Run of River Hydro Control Solutions. Contact us today to discover how Petrotech can enhance your hydropower operations.