IEAHydropower

Technical Information > IEA Hydropower Agreement Technical Reports

Below are listed Technical Reports produced by Annexes of the Hydropower Implementing Agreement.

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Items in this section:

  1. Reports from the Task Force on Upgrading of Hydropower Facilities
  2. Reports from the Task Force on Small Scale Hydropower
  3. Reports from the Task Force on Environment
  4. Reports from the Task Force on Education and Training

Reports from the Task Force on Upgrading of Hydropower Facilities

  • Guidelines on Methodology for Hydroelectric Francis Turbine Upgrading by Runner Replacement
  • Guidelines for Hydroelectric Generator Upgrading
  • Guidelines on Methodology for Control System Rehabilitation

These guidelines are designed to help hydro-plant owners and operators guide identify key financial and technical steps and considerations in successfully implementing turbine, generator and control system upgrades.

All areas involved in the rehabilitation process are covered, including assessment of existing equipment, high level design, technical and economical analysis, developing specifications to be included in the tendering documents, budgeting, developing schedules for completion, managing different phases of the project and training.

The Guidelines can be ordered individually, or as a set, from HCI Publications

Reports from the Task Force on Small Scale Hydropower

A critical review of international computer-based assessment tools and methodologies for reconnaissance, power analysis, pre-feasibility analysis, site evaluation, investigation and design of small hydro projects.

A three part report covering small hydro technology; electrical, control, monitoring & governing for small hydro; and proposals for R&D works in the small hydro field.

In October 1998 the Small-Hydro programme of the IEA Hydropower Agreement organised a Workshop in Nice, France. The purpose of the Workshop was to assess further opportunities for international small-hydro R&D. The report includes a synthesis of the proceedings of the workshop, a listing of some of the papers presented and a summary of recommendations for future R&D.

This report describes methods for financing small-scale hydropower projects. Five main topics are covered: the general aspects of financing of small hydropower projects, including the key players in the financing process; alternative financing strategies including a discussion of the different routes of financing, and factors affecting the choice of strategy; a brief discussion of financing conditions; the key points in successful financing; and possible improvements to the financing situation.

Before a developer / investor decides to realise a hydropower-project, it is essential to have a total overview of the economy of the project. This includes not only the expected costs and benefits, but also the sensitivity i.e. the corresponding economical risk and uncertainty. By presenting different methods of calculating and illustrating the risks and uncertainty, the report aims to make a useful contribution to the economic evaluation of hydropower projects, and to contribute to the dialogue between developers, investors and financing institutions.

Includes classification and description of different turbine types;  characteristic parameters for the choice of turbine type, size and speed; the design of different types of small hydro turbines, miniturbines and microturbines; and recommencdation for R&D on small  hydro.

This study reviews downstream and upstream migration systems for of small hydropower development, as well as related monitoring activities.

Reports from the Task Force on Environment

The objectives of this study, in which seven countries participated, were to produce a set of international recommendations and criteria for improving the environmental management of hydropower. These objectives extended to developing the information base required for making environmental comparison between hydropower and other forms of electricity production.

Appendices to this report are also available. (1.96MB)

This report describes the general characteristics of different ways of producing electricity in terms of their environmental impact. The scope of the study covers hydropower, coal, natural gas, biomass fuels, nuclear and wind power. A life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology has been used to compare different options, as well as other means.

A survey and analysis of the way in which the process of environmental impact assessment is implemented in seventeen countries and/or regions. Contributions to the survey were also received from the Legal group of UNIPEDE/EURELECTRIC, and the World Bank. The report focuses on four areas(i) the environmental impact assessment and licensing process, its problems and best practices, (ii) principles of international environmental laws and sustainable development, (iii) analyses, findings, and assessment of legal mechanisms, and ethical considerations, and (iv)  recommendations to improve existing practices and regulatory frameworks.

This report reviews processes and conditions which make hydroelectric projects environmentally and socially acceptable, identifies international best practices, and proposes a set of recommendations on hydroelectricity and the environment in relation to energy policy frameworks; stakeholders and the decision-making process; the application of environmental and social criteria when comparing project alternatives; improving environmental management of hydropower plants; and sharing benefits with local communities.

Summary and Recommendations (533kb) and Appendices (686kb) to the above report are also available.

The report presents mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures associated with approximately 130 projects. The information is based on actual case studies and on the experience of practitioners and environmental professionals involved with the hydropower industry.

Reports from the Task Force on Education and Training

A compilation of results of a survey of current education and training practices in hydropower operation and management. The survey is based on a total of 63 responses from 38 countries.

The growing need for training of hydropower personnel, and the need for high availability rates of generating units have made training an extremely important task for electricity generators. This report presents approaches to bringing the personnel at a power plant up to date with regard to improved methods and equipment for maintenance and operation.

A compilation of results of a survey of current education and training practices in hydropower planning.

This report describes alternative philosophies of design of university degree programmes for hydropower engineers, on the basis of a growing need for a more multi-disciplinary approach to hydropower development. Appropriate subjects in various E&T models are proposed.

Report on the creation of a simple conceptual tool to demonstrate the possibilities of “integration” for a student in a possible Internet-based education context, and to demonstrate the usage of new media types to be used in the educational context. Both these areas for development concentrated on creating solutions that allow for a large body of users to be able to use the technology without having to upgrade computers or connect to fast communication links.