Run-of-River ("ROR") hydro power is a renewable energy source generated by the natural flow of water. Unlike traditional hydroelectric facilities, which flood large areas of land, run-of-river projects do not require large capacities of dammed water. Instead, water is diverted from a river, or held for short periods of time, and sent through turbines that in turn generate electricity. The water leaves the generating station and is returned to the river without significantly altering the existing flow or water level. There are primarily two different ROR structures, high head and low head. Generally high head facilities use gravity in mountainous regions like the Rocky Mountains. Low head facilities, like our Brodarevo projects, use river flow backed up behind a small dam that generally store 1-2 days of water, and are smaller in size with a reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional hydroelectric facilities that use large storage reservoirs.
Project Advantages and Benefits
Environmental Impact
- Energy produced by renewable source
- No carbon emissions
- No pollutants or waste
- Minimal disruption of surrounding environments and habitats, as flow through remains unchanged
- Small environmental footprint, with low visual impact
- No fuel dependency
- Low technology risk, turbine and dam structures known well
- Long-life cash flow generated by projects
- Reliable energy source which provides consistency for cash flow
- Although capital costs may be relatively high, operating costs are low
- Fosters economic growth in developing countries
- Provides long-term and stable job opportunities for surrounding communities
- Secure and available, not dependant on imports or market prices
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