Advancements in In-Conduit Hydropower Technology Led by ORNL
The U.S. could boost its energy capacity by 1.41 GW through in-conduit hydropower, primarily within existing water systems. This technology, leveraging infrastructure for electricity generation, could power 1 million homes with minimal environmental impact.
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The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is focused on enhancing in-conduit hydropower, which utilizes water flow in pipes to generate electricity. Current estimates show 337 facilities in the U.S. generating 836 MW, with potential to add 1.41 GW to the grid, primarily from agricultural (662 MW), industrial (378 MW), and municipal systems (374 MW).
The Conduit Hydropower Engineering, Evaluation, and Technology Acceleration (CHEETA) project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to promote development in industrial and municipal sectors. In-conduit systems typically have lower installation costs and shorter payback periods, often under ten years. ORNL's expertise positions it to lead in identifying and overcoming barriers to deployment.
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