533-1 Underground Pondage

Category

Environment

Description

We plan to store river water overnight through the use of underground pondage, thereby having the ability to generate peak power at peak times during the day and increase the amount of power generated. We will develop "Technology for efficient water operation", "Technology for constructing underground pondage" and "Development and design system", which is the combination of these technologies, and establish an economically efficient scale and operating patterns for the underground pondage.

Features & Advantages

The results expected from underground pondage design and construction are as follows:

  • Increase in effective output and amount of power generated.
  • Economically efficient construction of underground pondage.
  • Preservation of the environment.
  • Increase in amount of power generated through improved efficiency.

An increase in the amount of power generated by power stations is expected, In particular, the following types of site are expected to show economic benefits through the use of underground pondage.

  • Sites having head race conduit length of 2000m or longer.
  • Sites with an effective head of 350m or more.
  • Sites with poor flow duration and low plant capacity rates (utilization rates of flow equipment).
  • Reduction in load regulating operation of thermal power plants by generating power in response to peak power demand.
  • By locating the pondage underground, there is little adverse effect on the scenery or the river environment.

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Technology Owner

New Energy Foundation, Hydropower Head Office, Technical Department — www.nef.or.jp

Country

Japan

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533-1-Underground-Pondage