Thinking
This blog contains some of our thinking about the big issues in sustainable hydropower.
We will write a post every week though 2024 so keep checking back for new content.
Get in touch if there is a topic you would like us to write about.
To browse specific topics, follow the links below:
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Hydropower and Downstream Flow Regimes: Balancing Power and Ecology
Hydropower is a pivotal component of the renewable energy landscape, providing clean and reliable energy essential for economic growth and climate change mitigation. However, its implementation inevitably involves altering river flow regimes, leading to complex environmental, economic, and social consequences downstream. Effective management of these impacts is crucial, both for sustaining riverine ecosystems and maintaining Read more
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Damming Impacts? Managing Biodiversity from Design to Operation
Hydropower projects can have significant environmental impacts on biodiversity. Early-phase planning is crucial to mitigate these effects, including identifying project boundaries, assessing biodiversity features, and addressing data deficiencies. Preparation and construction stages require comprehensive biodiversity management plans to minimize impacts and combat invasive species. During operation, monitoring and watershed management are vital for biodiversity conservation. Read more
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Biodiversity management: what’s the difference between a BMP and a BAP?
A Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) and a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) are both tools for conserving biodiversity, but they serve slightly different purposes and contexts. Understanding their differences is crucial for effective environmental management and conservation efforts. Read more
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Navigating the Rapids of Resettlement: Best Practices for Hydropower Projects
In the early stages of hydropower development, project managers face the daunting task of navigating through complex resettlement processes. Ensuring a sustainable and equitable resettlement strategy is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s also a cornerstone of community trust and project viability. This post outlines the critical activities should be undertaken to manage resettlement effectively. Read more
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Infrastructure safety issues
Hydropower projects offer climate-friendly energy and resilience against floods and droughts. Dam safety, infrastructure integrity, and disaster preparedness are crucial. Types of dams and failure modes, road and bridge safety, water precautions, electrical infrastructure, natural hazards, and public safety contributions are key considerations. Hydropower not only generates power but also enhances community safety and disaster… Read more
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Managing erosion and sedimentation
Hydropower projects can have significant impacts on erosion and sedimentation processes in watersheds. However, with careful planning and management, these impacts can be avoided, minimised and mitigated. This post outlines various strategies to manage erosion and sedimentation related to hydropower projects, aligned with best practices such as the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. Read more
Confluentia Consulting 