Briefing: Are there Big Opportunities for Small Hydropower?

Title: Briefing: Are there Big Opportunities for Small Hydropower?
Location: Dirksen 366
Description: What is micro-hydro? How can small hydropower development contribute toward energy independence? What are some of the strategies for making small hydropower a success?

Learn what “micro-hydropower” is and why it has potential as a source of additional, clean, renewable energy within the United States.

Generation of hydroelectric power can help irrigation districts reduce their energy costs and potentially create additional income. Hear from irrigation district representatives regarding innovative technology that can enable the development of low impact hydroelectric power within existing irrigation facilities. Hear about the hurdles associated with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s licensing and exemption process and successful navigation through the process.

Also hear from Richard Roos-Collins, National Heritage Institute and Chairman of the Low Impact Hydropower Institute about the potential for additional “low impact” hydropower development. The Low Impact Hydropower Institute provides certification to hydroelectric projects that meet certain criteria designed to balance the development of renewable hydroelectric power with reduced environmental impacts. Also speaking regarding low impact hydropower development is a representative of Brookfield Renewable Power, Inc., which has more than 100 years of experience as an independent owner, operator and developer of hydroelectric power facilities with a total portfolio of more than 100 generating facilities on 15 river systems within the United States with approximately 1,900 megawatts of capacity. Brookfield successfully obtained certification from the Low Impact Hydropower Institute for 42 of the 100 facilities and has two more under review.

Speakers:

Gia Schneider, CEO of Natel, Energy Inc., working on the development of low-head hydropower technology and licensing of in-conduit hydropower.
Gary Esslinger, Manager, Elephant Butte Irrigation District, New Mexico, successfully implemented a pilot project to generate power using existing irrigation canals.
Richard Roos-Collins, National Heritage Institute, serves as Chairman of the Low Impact Hydropower Institute.
Shannon Ames, Director of Public Policy, Brookfield Renewable Power.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2009-12-01
End Time: 11:00