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Convenient and green hydroelectricity generation (HG) systems are widely studied to cope with the energy crisis. Electricity can be generated through streaming potential with merely water droplets. Nevertheless, the operational requirement of persistent water supply restricts the durability and practicality of HG. Solar‐driven steam generation with continuous and sufficient water flow has become a promising integration way to enhance HG sustainability. However, most evaporation‐accelerated hydroelectricity generators are threatened by excessive wetting decay and ionic erosion damage, which significantly impair charge accumulation and operational durability. To address this issue, a carbon black/polypyrrole decorated Tencel framework (CPF) with tunable water flow is fabricated through twisting and braiding technology. The modified water flow rate, height, and content ensure rapid ion migration, appropriate wetting boundary, and sufficient brine circulation, respectively. The aqueous flow and ion strength are optimized through the evaporation‐accelerated and desalination‐integrated HG. Hence, the CPF evaporator shows an efficient, self‐operating, and sustainable output of 0.73 V, 0.6 µA, and 2.38 kg m−2 h−1 in 3.5 wt.% brine under 1 sun radiation without salt deposition. The scalable, prolonged, and adaptable outdoor operation throughout the daytime ensures the clean production of electricity and freshwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Fundamental principles and characteristics of fibrous materials-based hydroelectricity generation (FHG) are thoroughly reviewed. Fabrication strategies and advanced functions of FHG are discussed and summarized in detail. Challenges and perspectives of the next-generation development of FHG are discussed. Depleting fossil energy sources and conventional polluting power generation pose a threat to sustainable development. Hydroelectricity generation from ubiquitous and spontaneous phase transitions between liquid and gaseous water has been considered a promising strategy for mitigating the energy crisis. Fibrous materials with unique flexibility, processability, multifunctionality, and practicability have been widely applied for fibrous materials-based hydroelectricity generation (FHG). In this review, the power generation mechanisms, design principles, and electricity enhancement factors of FHG are first introduced. Then, the fabrication strategies and characteristics of varied constructions including 1D fiber, 1D yarn, 2D fabric, 2D membrane, 3D fibrous framework, and 3D fibrous gel are demonstrated. Afterward, the advanced functions of FHG during water harvesting, proton dissociation, ion separation, and charge accumulation processes are analyzed in detail. Moreover, the potential applications including power supply, energy storage, electrical sensor, and information expression are also discussed. Finally, some existing challenges are considered and prospects for future development are sincerely proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most major rivers in Europe have been dammed for hydropower or other purposes. Such river alterations have decimated natural reproduction of many migratory fish species, including that of the anadromous European whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus, which is now maintained by extensive stocking programmes. In addition to stocking, limited natural reproduction may occur downstream of dams, where peak flow bouts from the dams threaten to flush the eggs into unsuitable habitats. Here, we assessed the effects of water flow velocity and substrate coarseness on downstream drift of whitefish eggs under laboratory conditions. The experiment's two different gravel substrates retained eggs better than cobble or sand substrates; the water velocity needed for notable egg drift was higher for the gravel substrates. The results indicate that egg drift is one of the factors that should be considered when evaluating the effects of hydropower plant operations. Moreover, measures mitigating the effects of the artificial flow regimes should incorporate the type and coarseness of the riverbed's substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Fundamental principles and characteristics of fibrous materials-based hydroelectricity generation (FHG) are thoroughly reviewed. Fabrication strategies and advanced functions of FHG are discussed and summarized in detail. Challenges and perspectives of the next-generation development of FHG are discussed.

As part of corporate social responsibility, companies must demonstrate an active social position, be in constant dialogue with society and take an active part in developing the country and solving its urgent problems. Given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and restrictions on the import of energy carriers from Russia, the activities of companies in the energy sector of Romania require close attention to determine their efficiency and the level of their corporate social responsibility. This research inquiry is: To what extent and in what manner do Romanian corporations from nuclear energy and hydropower engage in CSR activities? In this study, we examined the sponsorship activities of Romania's two largest electricity-producing companies: Nuclearelectrica and Hidroelectrica. Data for the study was obtained from those two companies' financial and non-financial reports, their websites and the Minister of Finance from Romania's online platform. We extracted all the sponsorship paid by the companies and split them into activity types from our perspective. According to the study's results, in 2023, the priority areas of funding for Hidroelectrica's corporate social responsibility activities were health care – 41% (€506,419), culture – 21% (€266,286), and sports – 17% (€218,498). Much less funds were allocated to education, the social sphere, and other areas. It is unclear from the publicly available data whether the sponsorships included in the other category benefited local communities. Instead, Nuclearelectrica in 2023 provided the largest sponsorship for education with 41% (€984,587), health with 26% (€627,685) and the environment with 17% (€410,043). Significantly less funds were allocated to other areas. Both companies contributed to the good of local communities through their sponsorship and activities. However, Hidroelectrica must use its funds more rationally to maximize its positive impact on nature and social life. Funding events, the purpose of which is difficult to understand, can reduce public trust in the company.

Since ancient times, dams have been built to store water, control rivers, and irrigate agricultural land to meet human needs. By the end of the 19th century, hydroelectric power stations arose and extended the purposes of dams. Today, dams can be seen as part of the renewable energy supply infrastructure. The word dam comes from French and is defined in dictionaries using words like strange, dike, and obstacle. In other words, a dam is a structure that stores water and directs it to the desired location, with a dam being built in front of river valleys. Dams built on rivers serve various purposes such as the supply of drinking water, agricultural irrigation, flood control, the supply of industrial water, power generation, recreation, the movement control of solids, and fisheries. Dams can also be built in a catchment area to capture and store the rainwater in arid and semi-arid areas. Dams can be built from concrete or natural materials such as earth and rock. There are various types of dams: embankment dams (earth-fill dams, rock-fill dams, and rock-fill dams with concrete faces) and rigid dams (gravity dams, rolled compacted concrete dams, arch dams, and buttress dams). A gravity dam is a straight wall of stone masonry or earthen material that can withstand the full force of the water pressure. In other words, the pressure of the water transfers the vertical compressive forces and horizontal shear forces to the foundations beneath the dam. The strength of a gravity dam ultimately depends on its weight and the strength of its foundations. Most dams built in ancient times were constructed as gravity dams. An arch dam, on the other hand, has a convex curved surface that faces the water. The forces generated by the water pressure are transferred to the sides of the structure by horizontal lines. The horizontal, normal, and shear forces resist the weight at the edges. When viewed in a horizontal section, an arch dam has a curved shape. This type of dam can also resist water pressure due to its particular shape that allows the transfer of the forces generated by the stored water to the rock foundations. This article takes a detailed look at hydraulic engineering in dams over the millennia. Lessons should be learned from the successful and unsuccessful applications and operations of dams. Water resource managers, policymakers, and stakeholders can use these lessons to achieve sustainable development goals in times of climate change and water crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental degradation has become one of the most critical issues in the last decade. This is because the future of humanity is threatened by climate change. As a result, increasing the use of sustainable energy sources and technological innovation could be the best approach to reducing environmental degradation. Hence, this research evaluates the asymmetric influence of technological innovation (TIN) and hydroelectricity consumption (HEC) on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in Colombia from 1989 to 2018, which is yet to be comprehensively evaluated using modern econometric estimators such as non–linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) and frequency domain causality. Besides, it is essential to state that Colombia has established the specific ambition of achieving net–zero emissions by 2050. The NARDL results uncovered that (i) the effect of the positive variation in TIN and HEC is adverse and significant, suggesting that the expansion in TIN and HEC enhances environmental progress in the long–term; (ii) the negative shock in HEC also comes out to be negative and significant in the short and long–term, suggesting that it triggers the deterioration of the environment; (iii) the negative shock in TIN has a neutral impact on CO2 in the long–term; (iv) for the causality test, the frequency domain causality test detects a bidirectional causality between TIN and CO2, while a unidirectional causality is observed from HEC to CO2. Based on these results, policy insights are formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the impacts of information, communication, and technology (ICT) factors and economic growth on the hydropower output in the European Union (EU) states from 1990 to 2021. Adopting the autoregressive distributed lag, findings from this study revealed that there could be a significant increase in the hydropower industry growth in EU14 emerging economies using ICT factors than in EU13 emerging economies. It was also discovered that economic growth makes more of a significant contribution to hydropower growth in EU13 emerging economies than in EU14 emerging economies. Findings from this study further revealed that there could be a significant decrease in the carbon dioxide emissions among the EU14 emerged economies using hydropower output than in EU13 emerging economies. This points to the fact that hydropower growth in EU region countries could significantly be enhanced by increasing the level of ICT determinants to achieve Energy Union aims by 2030. This will as well be effective in minimizing or reducing the risk effect of climate change and environmental pollution. Using the pooled mean group, mean group, and dynamic fixed effect methods, the projected calculations are observed to be valid and this study recommended that EU nations should intensify the use of ICT in achieving sustainable environmental and societal goals. The sustainability and security of hydropower production could also be enhanced through legislation. Lawmakers should become active in the green ICT aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of corporate social responsibility, companies must demonstrate an active social position, be in constant dialogue with society and take an active part in developing the country and solving its urgent problems. Given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and restrictions on the import of energy carriers from Russia, the activities of companies in the energy sector of Romania require close attention to determine their efficiency and the level of their corporate social responsibility. This research inquiry is: To what extent and in what manner do Romanian corporations from nuclear energy and hydropower engage in CSR activities? In this study, we examined the sponsorship activities of Romania's two largest electricity-producing companies: Nuclearelectrica and Hidroelectrica. Data for the study was obtained from those two companies' financial and non-financial reports, their websites and the Minister of Finance from Romania's online platform. We extracted all the sponsorship paid by the companies and split them into activity types from our perspective. According to the study's results, in 2023, the priority areas of funding for Hidroelectrica's corporate social responsibility activities were health care – 41% (€506,419), culture – 21% (€266,286), and sports – 17% (€218,498). Much less funds were allocated to education, the social sphere, and other areas. It is unclear from the publicly available data whether the sponsorships included in the other category benefited local communities. Instead, Nuclearelectrica in 2023 provided the largest sponsorship for education with 41% (€984,587), health with 26% (€627,685) and the environment with 17% (€410,043). Significantly less funds were allocated to other areas. Both companies contributed to the good of local communities through their sponsorship and activities. However, Hidroelectrica must use its funds more rationally to maximize its positive impact on nature and social life. Funding events, the purpose of which is difficult to understand, can reduce public trust in the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Neotropics have vast river catchments with untapped hydroelectric potential, but there are multiple expected negative impacts of dams, including those on local food security and livelihoods. Yet, monitoring of dam effects on subsistence is rare, particularly during initial implementation. Our study assessed changes in human fish consumption near the Belo Monte Dam in the Brazilian Amazon during the period 2012–2021, which covers construction, operation and a severe El Niño-induced drought. Over time, fish became less common and were consumed in smaller amounts, even though fewer people shared meals. The largest changes occurred between 2013 and 2016 (post-construction but prior to full operation), resulting in a downward trend in fish consumption, particularly during the drought season. Adding more fish species to the diet did not increase consumption per person. These changes in fish consumption suggest that they stem from environmental impacts of the project (e.g., reduced river level), despite secondary effects from climatic events. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive assessments of the social and ecological impacts of large infrastructure projects in the Amazon, along with sustainable and equitable management strategies to ensure food security and meet the needs of local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the conversion of irrigation dams into hydropower dams in interwar South India, with a focus on the Mettur Dam. It explores the economic, social, and political processes behind this transformation and the tensions it created between the new hydropower economy and the existing agrarian property economy. The article argues that agriculturalists were able to mobilize against the new hydropower economy by utilizing the seasonality of the monsoon. It also discusses the broader context of large dams, agrarian property, industrialization, and energy history in South Asia. The article highlights the role of hydroelectricity in the development of the Madras economy and the efforts made by engineers and the Madras government to promote its benefits. However, the integration of the agrarian and industrial economies faced challenges, particularly in the construction of the Mettur Dam. The article discusses the conflict between prioritizing hydroelectricity production and irrigation, and the government's decision to alter cultivation seasons to ensure a steady supply of water for hydroelectricity production. This decision faced opposition from agriculturalists who argued that it disrupted traditional practices. Ultimately, the government preserved the established irrigation seasons, prioritizing agrarian interests over hydroelectricity production. The article sheds light on the conflict between the emerging industrial economy and the existing agrarian economy in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Bangladesh has recently pledged at the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) to reduce its carbon dioxide emission figures by 22% at the end of 2030. However, since this South Asian country has always turned to fossil fuels for electricity generation purposes, achieving this emission reduction goal is a challenging task for the Bangladesh government. Nevertheless, considering the negative environmental implications associated with the generation and consumption of unclean energy, particularly electricity, it is critically important for Bangladesh to expedite the process of clean transformation of its traditional pollution-intensive power system. Hence, the objective of this study is to dissect the repercussions of hydroelectricity use on Bangladesh's fossil fuel consumption-related carbon dioxide As opposed to the traditional method of quantifying environmental quality using total carbon dioxide emissions, this study considers Bangladesh's annual carbon dioxide emissions generated from the combustion of gas, oil, and coal. Besides, novel Fourier-based econometric methods that effectively handle structural break problems in data are utilized in this study. Based on the results, it is found that up-scaling hydroelectricity consumption levels exert emission-inhibiting effects while greater economic globalization activities are witnessed to boost the emissions. More importantly, hydroelectricity consumption and economic globalization are observed to jointly curb fossil fuel consumption-based emissions of carbon dioxide. Additionally, the results verify the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis for Bangladesh. Furthermore, financial sector development is found to be effective in reducing the natural gas consumption-related carbon dioxide emissions while urbanization is held responsible for amplifying emissions generated from all three types of fossil fuels. Therefore, considering these findings, the Bangladesh government needs to particularly emphasize scaling up production and consumption of hydroelectricity to decarbonize its economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article identifies an empirical blind spot in the literature on hydro-hegemony, with a scant analysis of power relations and resource control between states in transboundary water relations in a Latin American context. This article aims to fill this gap by examining Brazilian hydro-hegemony in the case of the Brazilian–Paraguayan Itaipu hydroelectric dam, the second-largest hydroelectric dam in the world by production. Based on a literature review and analysis of interviews with regional experts, it is argued that Brazilian hydro-hegemony can be best understood as consensual hegemony, resulting in consensual hydro- hegemony as a distinct and understudied form. In the Itaipu case, Brazil established such a hydro-hegemony through the dam's binational administrative company, containing Paraguay within a structure that leads to Brazil-skewed resource control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the history and evolution of Canada-United States transboundary water quantity politics (hydroelectricity, canals, irrigation, etc.) over the last 75 years: megaprojects on the St. Lawrence, Niagara, and Columbia Rivers during the early Cold War, a wide variety of transborder water issues stretching from coast to coast during the latter half of the twentieth century, and then recent hydropolitics concerning diversions from the Great Lakes basin. Utilizing an environmental history approach, and drawing from other fields such as historical geography, water policy, and political ecology, I show that Canada and the United States cooperatively manipulated border water environments on a large scale. Despite this coordination, there was often significant political and diplomatic controversy. I argue that coordinating or dealing with the United States deeply influenced the development of hydroelectricity in Canada, as well as the related hydraulic engineering expertise and technology. Moreover, transborder water politics also influenced many aspects of Canadian economic and political development, including federal-provincial relations. I explore themes such as Canada as a hydro state, the role of the Boundary Waters Treaty and the International Joint Commission, and concepts such as hydraulic nationalism and hydraulic imperialism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental Impact Assessments are required for major building projects, such as hydroelectric powerplants, to determine their potential impacts on public interests. These assessments balance the negative effects of negative impacts, such as habitat destruction, with positive effects like reduced CO2-emissions and energy security. However, forecasting models and scenarios can have uncertainties due to unavailable data or unknown developments. This contribution investigates the role of forecasting in Environmental Impact Assessments of hydroelectric powerplants in Austria, focusing on key aspects of hydroelectricity and the challenges of using models and scenarios in future-prone legal decision-making.

Although Ethiopia is one of the world's fastest-growing economies, access to sustainable energy and cutting-edge clean energy technology remains a major concern. The government is making significant efforts to generate renewable energy and provide more access to its citizens. Despite this, traditional fuels (charcoal, fuel wood, dung cakes, and agricultural waste) account for around 87 percent of Ethiopia's energy use, and they pose a range of health and environmental risks. Solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal resources abound in the nation, but only 5% of the country's total hydroelectric capacity is being used; while, the rest is either underutilized or underdeveloped. An in-depth look at Ethiopia's renewable energy potential, as well as the opportunities and problems it faces, is presented in this review. With a combined installed capacity of over 7000 MW, hydropower and wind power are the most promising renewable energy sources in Ethiopia as of yet. It is hoped that this assessment will shed light on how Ethiopia can harness and maximize the use of its abundant renewable energy sources.

This paper mainly investigated the interactions between energy consumption, economic growth, and the environment in China. The carbon dioxide emission intensity variable was introduced to represent the environmental variable. Data covered the period from 1965 to 2016. Coal, oil, and hydroelectricity use, real GDP (gross domestic product), and the environment were cointegrated. Coal, oil, and hydroelectricity consumption and real GDP were weakly exogenous but emissions were not. In the long run, a 1% increase in hydroelectricity consumption reduced CO2 emission intensity by 2.15%. However, a 1% increase in coal and oil consumption increased CO2 emission intensity by 2.89% and 0.76%, respectively. The impact of coal consumption on emissions is much larger than that of oil consumption. Coal and hydroelectricity consumption appeared to have a lagged effect on carbon emissions. Also, in the long run, coal, oil, and hydroelectricity consumption had impacted GDP and vice versa. The economy appeared to heavily depend on coal consumption. The study suggests a positive long-run unitary relation between oil consumption and the economy. Real GDP positively impacted CO2 intensity in the short run but the long-run effect was negative. This result is consistent with the post-materialist value theory and prosperity hypothesis, both of which imply that people’s environmental concerns will increase as income increases. Therefore, reducing carbon emissions can be achieved without sacrificing economic growth in the long run.

Since ancient times, dams have been built to store water, control rivers, and irrigate agricultural land to meet human needs. By the end of the 19th century, hydroelectric power stations arose and extended the purposes of dams. Today, dams can be seen as part of the renewable energy supply infrastructure. The word dam comes from French and is defined in dictionaries using words like strange, dike, and obstacle. In other words, a dam is a structure that stores water and directs it to the desired location, with a dam being built in front of river valleys. Dams built on rivers serve various purposes such as the supply of drinking water, agricultural irrigation, flood control, the supply of industrial water, power generation, recreation, the movement control of solids, and fisheries. Dams can also be built in a catchment area to capture and store the rainwater in arid and semi-arid areas. Dams can be built from concrete or natural materials such as earth and rock. There are various types of dams: embankment dams (earth-fill dams, rock-fill dams, and rock-fill dams with concrete faces) and rigid dams (gravity dams, rolled compacted concrete dams, arch dams, and buttress dams). A gravity dam is a straight wall of stone masonry or earthen material that can withstand the full force of the water pressure. In other words, the pressure of the water transfers the vertical compressive forces and horizontal shear forces to the foundations beneath the dam. The strength of a gravity dam ultimately depends on its weight and the strength of its foundations. Most dams built in ancient times were constructed as gravity dams. An arch dam, on the other hand, has a convex curved surface that faces the water. The forces generated by the water pressure are transferred to the sides of the structure by horizontal lines. The horizontal, normal, and shear forces resist the weight at the edges. When viewed in a horizontal section, an arch dam has a curved shape. This type of dam can also resist water pressure due to its particular shape that allows the transfer of the forces generated by the stored water to the rock foundations. This article takes a detailed look at hydraulic engineering in dams over the millennia. Lessons should be learned from the successful and unsuccessful applications and operations of dams. Water resource managers, policymakers, and stakeholders can use these lessons to achieve sustainable development goals in times of climate change and water crisis.

Abstract Hydropower is a clean and efficient technology for producing renewable energy. Assessment and forecasting of hydropower production are important for strategic decision-making. This study aimed to use machine learning models, including adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), gene expression programming, random forest (RF), and least square support vector regression (LSSVR), for predicting hydroelectric energy production. A total of eight input scenarios was defined with a combination of various observed variables, including evaporation, precipitation, inflow, and outflow to the reservoir, to predict the hydroelectric energy produced during the experimental period. The Mahabad reservoir near Lake Urmia in the northwest of Iran was selected as a study object. The results showed that a combination of hydroelectric energy produced in the previous month, evaporation, and outflow from the dam resulted in the highest prediction performance using the RF model. A scenario that included all input variables except the precipitation outperformed other scenarios using the LSSVR model. Among the models, LSSVR exerted the highest prediction performance for which RMSE, MAPE, and NSE were 442.7 (MWH), 328.3 (MWH), and 0.85, respectively. The results showed that Harris hawks optimization (HHO) (RMSE = 0.2 WMH, MAPE = 10 WMH, NSE = 0.90) was better than particle swarm optimization (PSO) (RMSE = 0.2 WMH, MAPE = 10 WMH, NSE = 0.90) in optimizing ANFIS during the prediction. The results of Taylor’s diagram indicated that the ANFIS-HHO model had the highest accuracy. The findings of this study showed that machine learning models can be used as an essential tool for decision-making in sustainable hydropower production.

This study investigates the effects of climate change on energy security in Africa, specifically focusing on the Upper and Lower Zambezi Basin. Data from the Kariba River basin sub-catchments, annual reports, the Climate Data Store, and Teal Tool Earth's country-by-country climate data were analysed through quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. The Mann-Kendal Trend Analysis was used to analyse time series and test the significance of changes to the climate. The historical climate and hydrological data analysis showed evidence of a slight increase in average rainfall amounts in the Zambezi River Basin but with high rainfall variability in some areas. Despite droughts increasing in frequency, there is a general increase in hydrological annual average water flow in the Zambezi River at two of the three sample sites. The increased water flow through the region could be attributed to population growth-induced land clearance and the degradation of wetlands in Angola's highlands. Although there is an increase in hydrological water flow into Kariba, there are water shortages for hydroelectricity generation due to increased generation capacity, resulting in increased demand for more water than in previous years. The unsustainable water abstraction to meet growing energy demands contributes to low water levels in the lake. The study recommends energy diversification and new hydroelectricity where the potential exists in the basin to reduce over-reliance on Lake Kariba with care not to disrupt the basin's hydrology and other economic activities. The study results provide insight into the potential effects of climate change on energy security in Africa.

Hydropower is a clean and efficient technology for producing renewable energy. Assessment and forecasting of hydropower production are important for strategic decision-making. This study aimed to use machine learning models, including adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), gene expression programming, random forest (RF), and least square support vector regression (LSSVR), for predicting hydroelectric energy production. A total of eight input scenarios was defined with a combination of various observed variables, including evaporation, precipitation, inflow, and outflow to the reservoir, to predict the hydroelectric energy produced during the experimental period. The Mahabad reservoir near Lake Urmia in the northwest of Iran was selected as a study object. The results showed that a combination of hydroelectric energy produced in the previous month, evaporation, and outflow from the dam resulted in the highest prediction performance using the RF model. A scenario that included all input variables except the precipitation outperformed other scenarios using the LSSVR model. Among the models, LSSVR exerted the highest prediction performance for which RMSE, MAPE, and NSE were 442.7 (MWH), 328.3 (MWH), and 0.85, respectively. The results showed that Harris hawks optimization (HHO) (RMSE = 0.2 WMH, MAPE = 10 WMH, NSE = 0.90) was better than particle swarm optimization (PSO) (RMSE = 0.2 WMH, MAPE = 10 WMH, NSE = 0.90) in optimizing ANFIS during the prediction. The results of Taylor's diagram indicated that the ANFIS-HHO model had the highest accuracy. The findings of this study showed that machine learning models can be used as an essential tool for decision-making in sustainable hydropower production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigation measures for downstream migratory Atlantic salmon smolts (Salmo salar L.) at migration barriers usually turn out to be insufficient to enable safe and quick passage, probably due to a lack of knowledge about their behavioural responses. Combining manual 2D tracking with hydrodynamic modelling has been rarely performed but might be useful to highlight environmental factors influencing smolt behavioural tactics and the choice of a migration route. We investigated the smolt downstream migration at a hydropower plant that offers five migration routes, including a Kaplan turbine and a fish-friendly Archimedes screw. Four behavioural tactics were defined to describe the smolt expressed behaviour, which was mainly complex and hesitant. The majority of the smolts approached more than one migration route before crossing the site and the Kaplan turbine turned out to be the most approached route, contrary to the Archimedes screw. Hydrodynamic modelling highlighted that flow velocity and water depth were used as hydraulic cues in the selection of a migration route, as the smolts preferred higher flow velocities and water depths. The comprehension of the factors influencing the research behaviour at hydropower plants may be useful to design attractive mitigation measures and to guide the smolts efficiently towards safe routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Eastern James Bay Cree Nation, a region known as Eeyou Istchee, water (neebee/Nîpîy) is a multiplicity of things and qualities: it is quantified as potentials in the reservoirs of HydroQuébec's hydroelectric power generating system; it is also a mobile element in the hydrological cycle, the platform for colonial mobilities and the past trapping economy; as well as an Eenouch (Cree) symbolic force and a liquid that saturates the James Bay landscape. This paper proposes a somatechnics of waterbodies. It considers a regional situation in which nature is both technological and biophysical. Waters appear as a hydrocommons that saturates the biophysics, culture, and economies of the Eenouch. Both humans and non-humans are amenable to a somatechnical lens: both are bodies of water. Our paper explores the potential for extending somatechnics beyond organic bodies and what this reveals about all bodies as a category in cross-cultural perspective – their abilities to enter into spatiotemporal relations of kinship, agency, recalcitrance, affect, virtuality, and materiality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resources are the most contentious, scarce, and contestable natural resources at any geographical scale. Where water resources cross international boundaries, additional uncertainties arise for access to and distribution of available water. Here, we examined three transnational water partnerships by focusing on Iran as a dryland country with a developing economy. Thus, Iran has a key interest in water policies and the development and governance of water resources. Within Iran's regional context, we considered whether the country obtained a geopolitical advantage from three regional water partnerships, involving the Caspian Sea, the Helmand River, and the export of hydroelectricity. We used a global database and several years of Iranian newspaper articles to explore possible linkages between contemporary and historical challenges while looking at international laws and conventions. We highlighted (a) the transboundary Helmand River as the most unstable partnership; (b) the complexities of the relationships between the Caspian Sea's beneficiaries, including Iran, in utilising its vast resources in an environment with unclear rules; and (c) the rainfall- and geopolitically dependent hydroelectricity exchange agreements with neighbouring countries. Although Iran pursued such international involvement through treaties and economic initiatives, its water-based geopolitical influence in the region remains constrained by domestic demand, hydrometeorological geography, and the involvement of major world powers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, hydropower is the principal renewable energy source; however, climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme events, such as floods, droughts, erosion, and sedimentation of rivers, which produce uncertainty with regard to hydroelectric generation. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the climate change projections for the hydropower systems of Ecuador based on data from 14 projects studying scenarios according to the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The study examined the period from 2010 to 2020 with historical data, determined the tendency, defined a database year, and then projected the scenarios to 2050. The quantitative methodology used time-series statistics for Ecuador's hydropower inflow to calculate the deviation over recent years and develop a model to simulate future power generation. The results showed that hydropower in Ecuador is expected to decrease considerably through to 2050 due to meteorological changes. In this calculation of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, the selected scenarios showed a reduction in SSP5 of 11.5%, SP2 of 16.2%, and SSP4 of 18.2% through to 2050, indicating that the opportunities for hydroelectric production in the face of climate change are variable, but the challenges are broad. In Ecuador, the projections of reductions in hydropower generation represent a sensitive issue, especially knowing that, in 2020, 87% of the energy grid in the country depended on hydroelectric production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the expansion of the Brazilian State's role in the electricity sector between 1930 and the late 1980s. Furthermore, it analyzes the controversies linked to the construction of the Tucuruí and Sobradinho hydroelectric dams. Adopting an environmental history approach, it questions the logics and political motives of this growing State involvement, revealing the links between development projects, water management and the modification of nature in the country.

Hydropower is the sole renewable energy source on the grid in Cameroon, accounting for approximately 62% of this supply as of 2019. So far, hydropower is the most attractive source of grid electricity in the country, with a technically exploitable capability of around 115 TWh per year. However, the actual hydropower output (943 kW) is quite low, corresponding to about 7% of the country’s technically exploitable potential. The South Interconnected Network (SIN) zone, home to a technically exploitable potential of 83 TWh per year, produces 98.00% of the country’s hydroelectricity, while the North Interconnected Network (NIN) zone generates the remainder. Nevertheless, with its technically exploitable capability of around 7.5 TWh per year, the NIN zone has the potential to alleviate the energy poverty of its population and forecast sustainable energy-consuming projects (SECP), including electricity export (EE) to neighboring Chad and Nigeria. The present study is aimed at exploring short, median and high scenarios based on projected Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of the national real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which are translated into electricity demand (ED) expected over a 20-year period (2022–2042). High scenario is an optimistic status that displays an AAGR of the GDP projected at 6.40%, equivalent to projected ED (PED) of 6.61%, while median scenario is a more conservative status, with realistic assumptions aligned with an AAGR of the GDP anticipated at 5.0%, corresponding to PED of 5.79%. Low scenario, more likely in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic, is the most pessimistic status, with an AAGR of 3.60% matching a PED of 3.60%. To achieve the objective of this study, a comprehensive review on economically exploitable hydropower potential (EEHP) sites in the NIN zone is performed, while under construction hydroelectric plants and projected ones are highlighted. Finally, the intended special contribution of this research is to shed light on hydrologic and energetic parameters of prioritized hydropower sites which match PED, under the best-case scenario of SECP expected by the end of the 20-year period in the zone.

The shortage of electricity in rural areas despite the hydraulic potential they possess is becoming a challenge for Benin. To date, nearly 140,000 people spread over the 42 lakeside villages of this country live in energy inaccessibility, insecurity and poverty. To overcome this situation, the present study is therefore interested in the production of electrical energy on an experimental basis in low water periods thanks to an Archimedean screw turbine which operates at low flow rates and height of fall on the river. Djonou located in southern Benin a few kilometers from the University of Abomey-Calavi. The geometrical and hydraulic parameters of the screw were therefore determined and the device was modeled using Autocard software. A prototype was then made with local recycled materials and tested on the river. The screw specifications indicate an inside and outside radius of 0.072 m and 0.135 m. The length of the screw was set at 0.46 m for a blade radius estimated at 0.137 m. The number of screw blades is equal to 2 with a flow rate of 0.049 m³/s. The inclination angle of the screw is 25◦. The device on the experimental site produces a voltage of 16 V and provides a current of about 0.12 A which can power a 2 W lamp. This performance of the prototype made on a small scale is a reliable indicator of the optimal use of this technology in the national hydraulic network of Benin to supply populations with electrical energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayan region is renowned as a powerhouse of Asia. Despite its abundant natural resources, youthful population, and strategic location between two rapidly developing Asian economies, the social and economic conditions in the Himalayan region, particularly in Nepal and Bhutan, have remained consistently underdeveloped. Various factors contribute to this, including climate change-induced disasters, political instability, strained bilateral relations between lower and upper riparian countries, and inadequate resource management. This article aims to address the existing research gap by exploring the energy potential of the Himalayan region and its viability for sustainable economic growth in the face of increasing global temperatures and climate-induced energy crises. The article asserts that, unless the region diversifies its energy sources to include other renewables, the Himalayan region (comprising Nepal, Bhutan, and the Indian Himalayan States-IHS) may not be able to serve as a stable hydro energy supplier to the South Asian region. This is due to inherent challenges and the strategic competition between India and China, both regionally and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major strategy for addressing the imbalance in source-network-load distribution is interprovincial electricity transmission; however, this process also causes various environmental effects. Previous studies have mainly examined thermal power transmission, and few insights have been gained into the challenges hydroelectricity transmission poses for biodiversity conservation. Here, we innovatively incorporated the freshwater species diversity footprint into a hydropower environmental impact assessment, calculating the interprovincial transfer of freshwater species diversity embodied in hydroelectricity transmission. We proposed an evaluation model of an interprovincial hydroelectricity transmission network using freshwater species diversity as the ecological element and creatively identified significant nodes and paths of the network. Up to 28% of the transfer of freshwater species diversity was related to the demand for hydroelectricity consumption in Shanghai. 64% of the relationships in the hydroelectricity transmission network were implemented at the expense of ecological losses on one side. Shanghai and Sichuan provinces and some transmission lines related to them were significant nodes and paths for improving the overall status of the network. This research can help policymakers comprehend the challenges to freshwater species presented by interprovincial hydroelectricity transmission and serve as a reference for ecological compensation for hydropower development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suriname was one of the first countries in the global South to produce aluminium. The establishment of this industry, including the hydroelectric dam that was meant to power it, was the key idea upon which Suriname’s entire dream of modernity and independence was constructed. Negotiations with the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) resulted in Suriname accepting a treaty under which hardly any benefits accumulated in the country itself, while the establishment of the industry caused loss of land, environmental damage and the deculturation of the Surinamese Maroon communities. After these revolted against the state, Alcoa left the country, leaving behind an ‘aluminium landscape’ where aluminium is no longer produced, but where the original population, insofar as its members have not moved to the cities, is still heavily affected by the changes caused by the Surinamese aluminium boom.

Studies of emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) such as CO2 and CH4 in hydroelectric reservoirs are very important in the debate on whether hydropower can be classified as a ‘clean energy’ source. In this study, GHG emissions in the Topocoro reservoir in Colombia during the first five years after filling were evaluated and related with hydropower generation. The floating static chamber and inverted funnel methodology were used for the collection of GHG and the gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (FID) – methanizer and electron capture detector (ECD) methodology for its detection in the laboratory. The results showed emission values between 256,613 and 654,643 tCO2eq/year. The intensity of gases was also determined in a range between 81 and 148 gCO2eq/kWh, depending on the evolution of the filling and the power generation in the reservoir. The results suggested that as the filling percentage of the surface of the reservoir increases, there will be more GHG emissions, due to the biotic and abiotic decomposition of organic matter. At the same time, higher energy production will be generated. HIGHLIGHTS A tropical reservoir in Colombia was monitored for five years during the post-filling phase.; The floating static chamber and inverted funnel methodology were used.; It analyzed the relationships of the GHG with energy production and power density in the reservoir.; This is the first investigation carried out in Colombia to determine the net emissions in a reservoir.;

The constant supply of energy remains a great challenge in many developing countries and Cameroon is no exception. It is necessary to explore other renewable energy sources that have environmental and energy potential. However, there is limited and sparse literature on the potential of renewable energy sources in Cameroon and its western part in particular. This limits investment and policy design that can lead to the exploitation of renewable energy sources. There is thus a need for more research on renewable energy development to better inform energy policies. This paper investigates the potential and extent to which available renewable energy sources can contribute to the electric power sector in the western part of Cameroon is on estimating the potential of hydroelectric, solar and biomass energy resources. A cross-sectional method, observations and literature review were used to determine the water flow and electrical energy potential of different biomass. The results show that the electrical potential of hydroelectricity is 11.68 GWh/year, for solar represents 44.12 GWh/year, and the energy of biomass 8586.42 GWh/year, 135.53 GWh/year and 13.05 GWh/year for agricultural, animal and forestry residues; they have a rate of access to electricity of 6.64%, 25.08%, 4881.46%, 77.05%, and 7.42% respectively. This potential can satisfy needs of 18 526 464 households. According to results obtained and in order to provide a sustainable solution by improving access to electricity, living standards and socio-economic conditions of populations; two hybrid cogeneration thermal-solar power plants can be installed at the limits of the decentralized areas of Bamboutos-Mifi-Menoua and Noun-Koung Khi, which are nearby areas with high population density. Hydroelectric plants can be installed to electrify villages that are far from the national network.

Hydrological landscapes played a significant role in the elaboration of Gaston Bachelard's and Martin Heidegger's historical epistemologies. More specifically, both philosophers relied on hydroelectric landscapes to explore nonlinear time and profound epistemological shifts in the history of knowledge. The landscapes they invoke are composed of hydroelectric dams, thunderstorms, and related landmarks like mountains, rivers, and lakes. Together, these varied yet connected elements offer rich environmental and conceptual terrains that I revisit to situate human knowledge formation within a much older natural history, and to lay the groundwork for a deep time theory of knowledge. Such theories promote timefulness and geological consciousness by establishing less anthropocentric historical narratives – or what Dipesh Chakrabarty calls "planetary history" – on more suitable epistemological grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoirs and by-passed sections may alter downstream ecological processes of rivers, so understanding their effects is essential for watersheds impacted by small hydropower power plants (SHPs). We investigated the ecological impacts of river sections (upstream vs. reservoir vs. by-passed vs. downstream) of four run-of-river SHPs distributed in two Neotropical watersheds on leaf litter breakdown (Eucalyptus grandis and Inga uruguensis by k in d−1 and dd−1) and its associated invertebrate community. Hydropower schemes promoted breakdown rates, although mechanisms differed: increased shredder abundance in by-passed sections, and increased scrapper abundance in impounded sections, both for coarse mesh litterbags. Variation among river sections of SHPs was a more important driver of invertebrate colonization than was leaf litter species. Mass loss was higher for E. grandis (high-quality detritus) compared to I. uruguensis. The influence of litter quality was lower for invertebrates than for microorganisms, mainly due to fast litter breakdown. Clearly, changes in hydrology can cause severe damage and may impact river litter breakdown. The process of leaf litter breakdown proved to be a sensitive tool for assessing the impacts of SHPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Akosombo Hydroelectric Power Plant (AHPP) is one of the largest man‐made lakes in the world. The impact of the dam after its construction on living organisms and people is not known. This paper offers new insights into our understanding of how the lake affects water quality for living organisms and people living downstream of its tailrace at different spatial levels. Water samples were collected to determine physicochemical and bacteriological parameters at fifteen strategically chosen sampling points. The data were analysed in the laboratory for certain physicochemical and biological parameters. About 95 questionnaires were also administered at Abume to households to ascertain their concerns with the water from the dam. The results indicated that the operation of AHPP has statistically significant effects on pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), faecal coliform and total coliform. The DO and total coliform did not rejuvenate by the 1km tailrace distance of the study. However, pH rejuvenated at a distance of 750 meters. The people also point out that the quality of the river at Abume is not safe for drinking and living organisms. The study concludes that water from the AHPP downstream is a satisfactory source of raw water that can be treated for domestic use. The water can also not support large fish species like tilapia. The study recommends that cage fishing should not take place close to the tailrace. The Volta River Authority and the government should provide potable drinking water to the communities affected by the construction of the dam and new sustainable turbines should be employed to manage the dam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying and understanding the effects of climate change is critical to formulating optimal adaptation and mitigation measures. One of the priority issues for socioeconomic development is energy stability; however, some sources, such as hydroelectricity, are vulnerable to this phenomenon. Therefore, the main objective of the research is to identify the climatic variations that climate change could generate, with special emphasis on precipitation, in the hydroelectric production area of Arenal reservoir, Costa Rica. The materials used include historical records of meteorological stations with a base period from 1971 to 2000, as well as modeled and downscaled series from the MRI-CGCM3 model, for the Central American zone, in two scenarios of increasing radiative forcing (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) with future horizon to 2100. Climatic variability was established by the calculation of climatic indices defined by the ETCCDI: simple precipitation intensity index, annual count of days when PRCP = 1 mm, maximum duration of the dry spell, maximum duration of the period of rainfall and total annual precipitation on wet days. The main findings of the research show evidence of alterations in the intensity and frequency of precipitation in the study area, mainly associated with decreases of medium magnitude in the amount of annual precipitation and the count of wet days, while there would be increases in the maximum length of dry spell, which is an unfavorable scenario for hydroelectric production and for other economic activities. In general, the indices that present significant variations are characterized by effects of medium magnitude compared to historical data, although indices such as PRCPTOT, SDII and CDD would present changes with a large effect, mainly between the medium and distant future, with the Tilarán area being the most affected, compared to the area of La Fortuna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-increasing use of fossil fuels causes the climate to become unbalanced due to the resulting pollution. Renewable energy is gaining widespread adoption because it is more cost-effective and eco-friendly. Using water as micro-hydro power plants or PLTMH can be a viable alternative to non-renewable fuel sources. Indonesia is one of the countries with the greatest application potential for micro-hydro power plants or PLTMH, particularly in Batang Regency, Central Java Province. This study focused on reducing the use of fossil fuels as a source of electricity in Batang Regency by utilizing water resources. Environmental approaches and hydrological analysis were employed in this study to achieve precise and optimal PLTMH planning outcomes. The results of the analysis indicated that the total discharge required to operate the PLTMH turbine is 2.22 m3/s with an 80% mainstay discharge, while the design flood discharge is 113,679 m3/s (Q100year). Implementing micro-hydro power plants or PLTMH in Batang Regency could be the first step in Indonesia's transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By integrating a Cs 0.32 WO 3 /Cu x S nano-heterojunction with hydrophilic carbon cloth, this study develops a high-performance solar evaporation-hydroelectric generator for dual-mode desalination. The deep-level defect structures within the heterojunction and the water supply efficiency of the carbon cloth are optimized, enhancing the production efficiency of freshwater and power energy. [Display omitted] • Photothermal performance of Cs 0.32 WO 3 /Cu x S nano-heterojunction is enhanced by improving the carrier mobility and non-radiative recombination. • Hydrophilic carbon cloth with optimized thickness ensures continuous water supply and significant ionic concentration gradient. • The device achieves 5.7 kg m-2h−1 evaporation rate and 0.48 V output voltage. • The self-generated electricity is sufficient to drive an electrochemical desalination unit for dual-mode water-salt separation. Solar-driven desalination stands as a vital approach to addressing the freshwater crisis, with the potential to harness the water flow during evaporation to induce hydroelectric generation. The key to enhancing the efficiency and stability of this co-generation technology lies in the simultaneous maintenance of rapid evaporation and robust water transport. Here, an advanced evaporation-hydroelectric generator is developed by integrating a hydrophilic carbon cloth with a structure-optimized Cs 0.32 WO 3 /Cu x S nano-heterojunction. Importantly, both experimental data and density functional theory calculations indicate that the heterojunction design and increased defect state atoms facilitate carrier mobility and non-radiative recombination, thus boosting photothermal performance. Furthermore, the modified hydrophilic carbon cloth, which is optimized in thickness, ensures a sustained water supply and establishes a significant ionic concentration gradient. The device achieves a high open-circuit voltage, rapid evaporation rate and stability in highly concentrated brines. Notably, the generated electricity can sufficiently drive an interconnected electrochemical desalination unit, enabling continuous dual-mode separation of water and salt. The system relies on solar energy to drive an innovative coupling of photothermal evaporation and hydroelectricity, representing a significant step forward in the development of highly efficient and sustainable technologies for the cogeneration of freshwater and clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]