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The current research aims to analyse the effect of the number and shape of the blades and the curvature of the flume bottom on the performance curves of undershot water wheels, based on experimental tests conducted in a fully instrumented laboratory facility. Six wheels are tested: four wheels with plane blades (16, 24, 36, 48) and two with 24 curved blades for two flume bottom configurations. Torque, mechanical power and mechanical efficiency performance curves are determined for several rotational speed and flow rate values. Results demonstrate that the maximum efficiency is achieved for the 36-plane blade wheel, the curved flume bottom reduces water losses under the wheel and increases efficiency, and the blades’ shape strongly influences the wheel efficiency. Non-dimensional performance curves are provided to generalise the results. This research provides relevant contributions towards the development of a low-cost energy recovery solution to be applied in water infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operational water management is a critical global challenge, and decision making can be improved by using mathematical optimization. This paper provides an overview of optimization techniques, both exact and heuristic, used in water management. It focuses on the use of optimization techniques in the short term: operational planning in reservoir management, control of open channels, hydropower scheduling, and operation of polder drainage pumps. Principles of model predictive control, methods for optimization under forecast uncertainty, and approaches for conflict resolution are explained with the help of educational examples and practical cases. Challenges and research questions to be addressed in the future are presented as an outlook. This article is categorized under:Engineering Water > MethodsScience of Water > Water and Environmental ChangeWater and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small hydro technology is playing a crucial role in advancing sustainable, clean energy policies as part of the global hydro development strategy. Its contribution to social and economic development is becoming more prominent, particularly in ensuring electricity access for rural communities and supporting industrial expansion. The main causes of bulb turbine failures under high operating conditions are frequently attributed to variations in pressure in the draft tubes, which are aggravated when a spinning vortex rope is formed under load operation. Different fluid injection techniques, namely compressed air and water jet injection, address these issues and reduce the negative results of cavitation. The investigation covers the flow visualization on the suction side of a single hydrofoil utilizing a cavitation tunnel and a bulb turbine. This study assesses the effectiveness of compressed air injection in reducing vibration generated by cavitation in bulb turbines. Positive results of the experimental studies suggest a decrease in noise and vibration by air injection that prevents oscillations of the vortex rope. This research also considers how the hydrofoil design of bulb runner blades influences flow characteristics. Hence, it provides knowledge on cavitation structures in diverse cavitation numbers. Different studies that compare the original and modified hydrofoil designs reveal remarkable improvements that may be due to changes in the key parameters of the hydrofoil, such as later cavitation initiation and reduced intensity. To obtain the optimal output of a bulb turbine by considering air injection for vibration reduction and hydrofoil design changes to limit the negative effect of cavitation, the Reynolds number and cavitation number are to be defined. This multidisciplinary approach possesses enormous potential to increase the reliability and efficiency of bulb turbines in challenging operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of challenges like climate change, pollution, and depletion of fossil fuel reserves, governments and businesses prioritize renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Renewable energy forecasting models play a crucial role for energy market operators and prosumers, aiding in planning, decision-making, optimization of energy sales, and evaluation of investments. This study aimed to develop machine learning models for hydropower forecasting in plants integrated into Water Distribution Systems, where energy is generated from water flow used for municipal water supply. The study involved developing and comparing monthly and two-week forecasting models, utilizing both one-step-ahead and two-step-ahead forecasting methodologies, along with different missing data imputation techniques. The tested algorithms—Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, Random Forest, Temporal Convolutional Network, and Neural Basis Expansion Analysis for Time Series—produced varying levels of performance. The Random Forest model proved to be the most effective for monthly forecasting, while the Temporal Convolutional Network delivered the best results for two-week forecasting. Across all scenarios, the seasonal–trend decomposition using the LOESS technique emerged as the most successful for missing data imputation. The accurate predictions obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of using these models for energy planning and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Riverine habitat fragmentation by barriers, including impoundments, is common and their effects on obligate aquatic organisms are manifold. Organisms, such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), that make extensive river migrations are particularly vulnerable to the effects of impoundments. In this study, we use acoustic telemetry to examine the migratory behaviour of Atlantic salmon, as they migrate to sea for the first time as juvenile ‘smolts’, in a river with a series of dams that form a complex hydropower scheme. We demonstrate that overall migration success in the River Dee catchment and particularly through standing waters was remarkably high. We speculate that high migration success in standing waters could be due to relative current speeds providing good quality directional cues to migrants. Migration success past the two dams in this study, was relatively high, although the number of unsuccessful passage attempts before a successful passage was also very high. The vast majority of smolts passed the dams when the turbines were operational. At one dam, smolts did not use an available fish pass but migrated through the generating turbines. These findings provide several routes through which generation could be managed to enhance the success of downstream smolt migration in rivers where there are similar patterns of hydrogeneration in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower as a flexible regulation resource is a rare choice to suppress the ever-increasing penetration of wind power in electrical power systems. The complementary characteristics and performance improvement of a hydro–wind hybrid power system based on a mathematical model of the hybrid power system is studied in this paper. This established model takes into account the stochastic variation in wind speeds in the wind power subsystem and the hydraulic–mechanical–electrical coupling characteristics of the hydropower subsystem. The complementary analysis is conducted based on the evaluation variables outputted by the established model, such as the wind power, hydro-regulation power, hydraulic power, and frequency. To make full use of the regulation capability of the hydropower system, the optimization of parameter settings is also carried out to improve complementary performances of the hybrid power system. The results from the complementary analysis show the detailed characteristics of hydro–wind coordinated operation under different types of real wind speeds. Here, 95% of installed hydro-capacity is used to complement the power shortage of the intermittent wind energy under the low wind speed. Alternatively, only around 66% of the installed hydro-capacity can be utilized to cope with the fluctuation in wind power under the medium and high wind speeds before the optimization of parameter settings. The recommended values and change rules of the control, hydraulic, and electrical parameters for the hydropower system are subsequently revealed from the analysis of parameter settings to contribute to a stable and safe hybrid power system. The results show that the optimized parameter can increase the maximal regulating capacity of the hydropower system by nearly 9 MW, approximately a sixth of the total installed hydropower capacity. The method and results obtained in this paper provide theoretical and technical guidance for the safe and economical operation of power stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transboundary Arun River Basin (ARB) spreads across Nepal and Tibet. Nearly 95% of the basin lies in Tibet through which the Pumqu River flows, forming the Arun River once it enters Nepal. The ARB has five large hydropower projects undergoing construction or planned for the future. Rainfall and earthquake‐induced landslides, landslide‐dammed lakes and landslide‐induced glacial lake outburst floods pose major risks to smooth operation of these projects. To safeguard upcoming hydropower projects, areas susceptible to landslides in the ARB must be identified. We used high‐resolution satellite imagery and open‐source tools to generate a multitemporal landslide inventory for the basin. The rigorously quality‐controlled inventory represents a yearly record of landslides from 2011 to 2020. A data‐driven approach was used to map areas susceptible to landslides within the ARB. The multitemporal landslide inventory combined with other readily available Earth observation‐based variables was used to create a landslide susceptibility map. The susceptibility analysis provides a valuable initial estimate of where landslides are likely to initiate. These landslide products could form the basis of more comprehensive local studies to inform hydropower project development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent global challenges of climate change, energy security, and environmental degradation highlight the need for sustainable energy solutions. Renewable energy sources (RES) present a viable pathway towards sustainability by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and fostering economic resilience. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose an advanced Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach to evaluate various RES by integrating environmental, economic, technological, social acceptance, and resource availability criteria, to identify the most suitable RES for sustainable energy solutions. Methodology: The study employs a hybrid method combining Type-2 Neutrosophic Numbers (T2NN) with LOPCOW (Logarithmic Percentage Change Operator Weighting) and MAIRCA (Multi-Attributive Ideal-Real Comparative Assessment) to rank the suitability of different RES, including solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy. Findings: The case study results reveal wind energy as the top-ranked alternative, supported by consistent findings across comparative methods such as COPRAS, MABAC, EDAS, and TOPSIS. Sensitivity analysis further confirms the stability of the proposed model under various scenarios. Originality: The originality of this study lies in the integration of T2NN, LOPCOW, and MAIRCA to address the limitations of traditional MCDM approaches in handling uncertainty and imprecision in data. The study demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed framework in providing a robust evaluation of RES, and its value lies in its potential to inform decision-making in the field of sustainable energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) kelts have important conservation value for population resilience. Nonetheless, relative to other salmonid life-stages, knowledge on their behavior and survival is poor. This is especially true for kelt downstream migration in rivers fragmented by hydropower plants (HPP), even though the physiological and survival consequences are severe when functional connectivity is not provided. Here, the existing information about kelt downstream migration past HPP was summarized, beginning with an overview of iteroparous salmonid lifecycles. Then, the importance of kelts for conservation and the threats they encounter while migrating was discussed. Finally, the current corpus of peer-reviewed literature and reports focused on kelt migration in these systems was presented. Kelt studies have focused on five main themes: (1) postspawning survival, (2) migration delays before dam passage, (3) passage selection and guidance efficiency, (4) passage mortality, and (5) the swimming behaviors of kelts during migration. Overall, there was a paucity of information about kelts and several information gaps and needs for future research. This work should inform scientists and river managers on the conservation of salmonids in regulated rivers, including the development of passage solutions for safe downstream migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The artificial pulsed-flows impact associated with hydropower production on the downstream biological and physical processes has been extensively addressed, showing that it may cause fish drift while changing fish habitat selection toward lower water velocity patches, acting as refuge areas. We aimed to evaluate the attraction efficiency of two flow-refuges differing in their approaching angles, for Luciobarbus bocagei at an indoor experimental flume. We tested two flow-refuge insertion angles (45° and 70°), and two flow events (base 7 L/s and pulsed-flow 60 L/s) for each. To analyze flow-refuge efficiency, we quantified fish individual and group patterns, flow-refuge use, and permanence time, while measuring glucose and lactate responses. The results showed that the individual frequency of use during simulated pulsed-flow was higher, especially on the 45° flow-refuge. The simulated pulsed-flow condition did not disrupt group behavior for both approaching angles. Glucose and lactate analysis did not trigger physiological responses in the tested trials. The 45° flow-refuge was used more often than the 70°. The narrowing of the channel caused by the 45° flow-refuge, and the consequent higher flow homogeneity increased the attractiveness of the flow-refuge. Therefore, the flow-refuge insertion angle should be a decisive criterion in the construction and installation of flow-refuges for cyprinids, and be considered a potential indirect mitigation measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources are essential for mitigating the greenhouse effect and supplying energy to resource-scarce regions. However, their intermittent nature necessitates efficient storage solutions to enhance system efficiency and manage energy costs. This paper investigates renewable and clean storage systems, specifically examining the storage of electricity generated from renewable sources using hydropower plants and hydrogen, both of which are highly efficient and promising for future energy production and storage. The study utilizes extensive literature data to analyze the impact of various parameters on the cost per kWh of electricity production in hybrid renewable systems incorporating hydropower and hydrogen storage plants. Results indicate that these hybrid systems can store electricity efficiently and cost-effectively, with production costs ranging from 0.126 to 0.3 $/kWh for renewable-hydropower systems and 0.118 to 0.42 $/kWh for renewable-hydrogen systems, with expected cost reductions over the next decade due to technological advancements and increased market adoption. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive comparison of hybrid renewable systems integrating hydropower and hydrogen storage, providing detailed cost analysis and future projections. It identifies key parameters influencing the cost and efficiency of these systems, offering insights into optimizing storage solutions for renewable energy. Moreover, this research underscores the potential of hybrid systems to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, particularly during peak demand periods, and emphasizes the importance of seasonal and geographic considerations in selecting energy sources. The study highlights the importance of policy support and investment in hybrid renewable systems and calls for further research into optimizing these systems for different seasonal and geographic conditions. Overall, the integration of renewable energy sources with hydropower and hydrogen storage offers a promising pathway to a sustainable, economical, and resilient energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion of the conventional electrical grid into a smart and sustainable grid involves several considerations. The primary factors, however, are renewable energy penetration, associated storage systems, and energy generation costs. This research endeavors to conduct a thorough survey and analysis of the solar irradiance on various hydropower locations in India, including Run-of-River (RoR), Run-of-River with Pondage (RoRP), Reservoir Storage (S), Multi-Purpose Storage (MP) and Pumped Storage Systems (PSS). The hydroelectric projects in rural Indian regions have been the subject of the proposed case study. As a preliminary study, the probabilistic variables like minimum, maximum, and mean solar irradiance are calculated for 252 High-Scale Hydropower Plant locations (HSHPs) using the past 40 years day ahead solar radiation data to identify the high-irradiance hydropower plant location in each state of India. This study concludes that the maximum mean solar irradiance location in each state as these sites are well suited for hybrid PV-hydro systems. The identified high-irradiance locations 40 years day ahead data sets are analyzed employing 8 machine learning models and 2 deep learning models. This analysis aims to forecast solar irradiance, serving as a crucial foundation for the initial phase of the implementation of hybrid PV-hydro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a hydropower-dominated power grid, the primary frequency regulation (PFR) capability of hydropower units is typically compromised to suppress ultra-low frequency oscillations (ULFOs). However, as renewable wind power is further integrated, a practicable solution to damp ULFOs has emerged, which is to adjust the frequency control parameters of wind turbine (WT) units. Driven by the goals of overall damping enhancement and ULFO suppression, this paper first establishes an extended unified frequency model (EUFM) of a hydro–wind power sending system. Based on EUFM, the damping torque of the hydro–wind power sending system is derived, and the specific impact of WT control parameters on ULFOs and PFR characteristics is investigated. Then, a novel optimization objective function considering damping in the ultra-low frequency band and PFR is formulated and solved using an intelligence algorithm. By optimizing the parameters of the WT to suppress ULFOs, the PFR capability of hydropower units can be released. Finally, simulation results verify that the optimized WT parameters can simultaneously address the ULFO problem and guarantee PFR performance, thereby enhancing the frequency dynamic stability of the sending system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the significance of hydroelectric mini-grids owned and operated by Catholic sisterhoods in rural Tanzania, situating them within a broader context of energy transition and environmental justice. The Tanzanian state is betting that mini-grids can effectively supplement the national grid's limited reach; since 2010 it has invested considerable effort in developing a regulatory framework that streamlines licensing procedures and specifies feed-in tariffs. Today, the field is wide open and a range of ownership models – community, private, state-owned – are unfolding on the ground with variable results regarding their financial sustainability, environmental impact, and developmental outcomes. Though often overlooked in this discourse, missions, churches, abbeys, and convents have a history of operating run-of-the-river power stations and other off-grid systems that stretches back into the colonial era. Such infrastructures anchor material and spiritual economies of rain, care, and cash that straddle both community and commercially oriented modes of provisioning. Their continued presence suggests that in some ways this new paradigm of decentralized energy provision builds upon long-standing historical logics of patronage and political authority in marginal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of the Pasvik River, demarcating Norway's border with Russia in the north is inextricably linked with issues of security and national interests on the one side, and exploitation of natural resources and business interests on the other. This applies not least to the war years, as German warfare in Europe increased the value of the hydropower and the strategic metals of the border region. Drawing on sources from the archives of the mining company AS Sydvaranger and Norwegian state administration, this article traces the negotiations on hydropower exploitation in the Pasvik River throughout the Second World War focusing on Norwegian key actors, and analyses Norwegian national and corporative interests and strategies in the border area during the German dominance in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropeaking is one of the most severe pressures of hydropower on aquatic ecosystems. The discharge fluctuations due to turbine operations cause frequent shifts in hydraulic habitat characteristics such as flow velocity and water depth. Those rapid changes on a daily or sub daily basis, however, are beyond the possibilities of evolutionary adaptations of aquatic organisms, especially for fish in their sensitive early life stages. Thus, one central aim in terms of the evaluation of hydropeaking impacts or the design of mitigation measures is the analysis or establishment of hydraulically stable habitat conditions. This study presents a novel habitat assessment tool to quantify hydraulically stable habitat conditions in the form of a persistency of suitable habitats in hydropeaking reaches. The HEM‐PEAK tool determines areas that contain equal ranges of depth‐averaged flow velocity and water depth for both base flow and peak flow in three categories. Those areas also exclude dewatering sites, which have to be seen as 'residual risk for stranding'. In the present study, the model was used to evaluate the YOY habitats of brown trout and grayling. The model was tested for 14 hydropeaking reaches to evaluate the quantity of habitat persistency for different morphological characteristics, such as straight, winding, alternating gravel bars and bifurcation reaches. The findings reveal that there is no relationship between hydraulically stable habitat conditions with reach scale bed slope or the magnitude of dewatering areas. However, the changes in specific discharge in relation to bankfull width could be negatively related to the magnitude of hydraulically stable habitat conditions independent of the morphological type. This relationship is minor for summer scenarios compared to spring, as the initial habitat quality during the increased base flow conditions is already limiting the availability of suitable habitats which might have persistency during peak flow. In detail, several self‐forming bars like point bars and artificial structures like groins and coarse rip‐rap could be determined, which could be explicitly addressed in terms of mitigation measure design based on the application of the HEM‐PEAK tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of hydropower as a renewable and balancing power source is expected to increase in a Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario. As a common phenomenon in hydropower plants, hydropeaking will become more prominent, resulting in additional stresses on the ecological status of rivers. Here we propose a novel approach to design and operate auxiliary reservoirs called re‐regulation reservoirs (RRR) that aim to mitigate the adverse impacts of hydropeaking on rivers. A re‐regulation reservoir aims at smoothing flow fluctuations caused by hydropeaking by diverting and retaining parts of high flows and returning them back to river corridors during low flows. Using actual data from a hydropeaking‐influenced river system, the operation and efficiency of potential reservoirs have been investigated. An open‐access algorithm was developed to analyze the influence of the reservoirs to mitigate hydropeaking, considering peak and minimum flow and up‐ and down‐ramping rates. The findings illustrate that, in most cases, the required reservoir volume increases as the flow thresholds become more stringent. Nonetheless, several exceptions were observed, where larger reservoir volumes were required compared with cases with more stringent thresholds. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of flow adjustments, while carefully considering the river regime, sub‐daily flow patterns, and unique characteristics of the river's ecosystem. Our approach shows theoretical possibilities for regulating hydropeaking and provides a basis for optimizing re‐regulation reservoirs, contributing to practical and adaptable strategies for sustainable hydropower management without increasing the operational cost of power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The saturation of total dissolved gases (TDG) in water remains around 100%. Certain circumstances can lead to TDG values exceeding 100%, resulting in TDG supersaturation (TDGS). TDGS above about 110% can be toxic to animals that rely on water for gas exchange. However, saturation beyond 200% can occur in freshwater downstream of dams and hydroelectric power plants. Despite its impact, TDGS is often overlooked as a hazard to aquatic life, particularly for benthic macroinvertebrates. This study aimed to examine the effects of TDGS on nine species of benthic macroinvertebrates. We used replicated tank studies to manipulate TDGS levels from 100% to 120% and investigated the overall survival and species‐specific effects on survival and buoyancy. We also present a summary on the effects of TDGS on invertebrate species previously tested. The results indicate that seven of nine species exhibited increased buoyancy when exposed to TDGS, causing them to float on the water surface. Additionally, a Cox Proportional Hazards model revealed a significant effect of TDGS on the survival of the macroinvertebrates. The sensitivity towards TDGS varied greatly among species of benthic macroinvertebrates, and significant species‐specific effects were only observed for Isoperla grammatica, Baetis rhodani and Asellus aquaticus. Among these, the two latter species showed clear dose‐related effects caused by TDGS, enabling the assessment of LT50 (time required to kill half of the tested population). B. rhodani was most sensitive with a LT50 of 3.7 days at 119% TDGS. Both species had visible air bubbles under the exoskeleton. Our findings highlight that direct and indirect effects on benthic macroinvertebrates can occur even at low to moderate levels of gas supersaturation, likely causing reduced density, decreased species diversity and altered species composition. The emerging evidence strongly supports the implementation of regulations on TDGS in freshwaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to forecast dam inflows and subsequently predict its capability in producing HEPP using machine learning and evolutionary optimization techniques. Mahabad Dam, located in the northwest of Iran and recognized as one of the nation's key dams, served as a case study. First, artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) were employed to predict dam inflows, with optimization of parameters achieved through Harris hawks optimization (HHO), a robust optimization technique. The data of temperature, precipitation, and dam inflow over a 24-year period on a monthly basis, incorporating various lag times, were used to train these machines. Then, HEPP from the dam was predicted using temperature, precipitation, dam inflow, and dam evaporation as input variables. The models were applied to data covering the years 2000 to 2020. The results of the first part indicated both hybrid models (HHO-ANFIS and HHO-SVR) improved the prediction performance compared to the single models. Based on the results of Taylor's diagram and the error evaluation criteria, the HHO-ANFIS hybrid model (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 3.90, 2.41, and 0.86, respectively) exerted better performance than HHO-SVR (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 4.39, 2.70, and 0.86, respectively). The results of the second part showed that using the HHO algorithm to optimize single models (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 0.2, 10, and 0.90, respectively) predicted HEPP better than single models (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 0.2, 10, and 0.90, respectively). The results of Taylor's diagram also showed that the HHO-ANFIS model exerted better performance. The findings of this study indicated the promising performance of machine learning models optimized by metaheuristic algorithms in the simultaneous prediction of dam inflows and HEPP in multi-purpose dams for better management and allocation of surface water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower is the predominant renewable energy source globally and will play a key role in transitioning countries away from fossil fuels. Yet hydropower production is threatened by the effects of climate change, with significant implications for both energy security and the energy transition. In this policy brief, UC Berkeley PhD candidates Johnny Guy and Ishana Ratan, together with co-author Anthony Calacino, explore preliminary evidence from Brazil, Colombia, and Nepal that shows the multifaceted challenges hydropower-dependent nations face, and divergent responses governments have taken in response. They demonstrate why, in the face of increasing uncertainty, hydropower-dependent countries—already vulnerable to the impacts of seasonal disruptions to power supply—must develop robust strategies for load balancing and project risk management.

Abstract The transboundary Arun River Basin (ARB) spreads across Nepal and Tibet. Nearly 95% of the basin lies in Tibet through which the Pumqu River flows, forming the Arun River once it enters Nepal. The ARB has five large hydropower projects undergoing construction or planned for the future. Rainfall and earthquake‐induced landslides, landslide‐dammed lakes and landslide‐induced glacial lake outburst floods pose major risks to smooth operation of these projects. To safeguard upcoming hydropower projects, areas susceptible to landslides in the ARB must be identified. We used high‐resolution satellite imagery and open‐source tools to generate a multitemporal landslide inventory for the basin. The rigorously quality‐controlled inventory represents a yearly record of landslides from 2011 to 2020. A data‐driven approach was used to map areas susceptible to landslides within the ARB. The multitemporal landslide inventory combined with other readily available Earth observation‐based variables was used to create a landslide susceptibility map. The susceptibility analysis provides a valuable initial estimate of where landslides are likely to initiate. These landslide products could form the basis of more comprehensive local studies to inform hydropower project development.

Small hydro technology is playing a crucial role in advancing sustainable, clean energy policies as part of the global hydro development strategy. Its contribution to social and economic development is becoming more prominent, particularly in ensuring electricity access for rural communities and supporting industrial expansion. The main causes of bulb turbine failures under high operating conditions are frequently attributed to variations in pressure in the draft tubes, which are aggravated when a spinning vortex rope is formed under load operation. Different fluid injection techniques, namely compressed air and water jet injection, address these issues and reduce the negative results of cavitation. The investigation covers the flow visualization on the suction side of a single hydrofoil utilizing a cavitation tunnel and a bulb turbine. This study assesses the effectiveness of compressed air injection in reducing vibration generated by cavitation in bulb turbines. Positive results of the experimental studies suggest a decrease in noise and vibration by air injection that prevents oscillations of the vortex rope. This research also considers how the hydrofoil design of bulb runner blades influences flow characteristics. Hence, it provides knowledge on cavitation structures in diverse cavitation numbers. Different studies that compare the original and modified hydrofoil designs reveal remarkable improvements that may be due to changes in the key parameters of the hydrofoil, such as later cavitation initiation and reduced intensity. To obtain the optimal output of a bulb turbine by considering air injection for vibration reduction and hydrofoil design changes to limit the negative effect of cavitation, the Reynolds number and cavitation number are to be defined. This multidisciplinary approach possesses enormous potential to increase the reliability and efficiency of bulb turbines in challenging operating conditions.

Numerous sustainability studies often overlook the social dimension. This neglect arises from two main reasons: the scarcity of reliable social indicators and the qualitative nature of most of the available ones. This study offers a different perspective to address this gap by using data envelopment analysis (DEA), a method that can handle both quantitative and qualitative data. Unlike traditional DEA that aim to maximize output with minimal input, our approach aims to maximize positive perceptions of impacts (outputs) and the effectiveness of impact management strategies (inputs). We rely on data collected by our team, using Likert-scale surveys from 694 participants in two Colombian Andes river basins, representing the hydropower industry, policymakers, and local communities. DEA makes our analysis more objective, less influenced by biases of decision makers. Findings provide insights into the factors driving efficient sustainability perceptions and lay the groundwork for designing specific policies to improve sustainability while balancing social, economic, and environmental concerns, achieving a comprehensive approach to sustainability in Colombian hydropower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bibliometric analysis studies of researchers about the use of rainwater as electrical energy are still very few. There is still no utilization of rainwater which is directly used for electrical energy. Analysis of the capacity of the electrical energy requirements of electronic devices shows that the electrical energy requirements for several types of laptops and mobile phones range from (3 – 18) milliwatts per second mWs or (11.02 – 63.13) watt-hour Wh. So that this mini hydropower can be used to turn on LED lights 220 V AC, laptops, and cellphones. Gutters at home that drain water when it rains have a much larger water discharge capacity than a miniature hydropower plant, of course, have enormous potential in independently supplying household electrical energy needs. In which the electrical energy can be used directly or stored in a power saver energy such as Accu, or power bank.

Abstract This study aimed to forecast dam inflows and subsequently predict its capability in producing HEPP using machine learning and evolutionary optimization techniques. Mahabad Dam, located in the northwest of Iran and recognized as one of the nation’s key dams, served as a case study. First, artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) were employed to predict dam inflows, with optimization of parameters achieved through Harris hawks optimization (HHO), a robust optimization technique. The data of temperature, precipitation, and dam inflow over a 24-year period on a monthly basis, incorporating various lag times, were used to train these machines. Then, HEPP from the dam was predicted using temperature, precipitation, dam inflow, and dam evaporation as input variables. The models were applied to data covering the years 2000 to 2020. The results of the first part indicated both hybrid models (HHO-ANFIS and HHO-SVR) improved the prediction performance compared to the single models. Based on the results of Taylor’s diagram and the error evaluation criteria, the HHO-ANFIS hybrid model (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 3.90, 2.41, and 0.86, respectively) exerted better performance than HHO-SVR (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 4.39, 2.70, and 0.86, respectively). The results of the second part showed that using the HHO algorithm to optimize single models (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 0.2, 10, and 0.90, respectively) predicted HEPP better than single models (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 0.2, 10, and 0.90, respectively). The results of Taylor’s diagram also showed that the HHO-ANFIS model exerted better performance. The findings of this study indicated the promising performance of machine learning models optimized by metaheuristic algorithms in the simultaneous prediction of dam inflows and HEPP in multi-purpose dams for better management and allocation of surface water resources.

Abstract Power system unreliability tracing model allocates the system's reliability index to individual components, identifying potential weaknesses. This study expands its scope by considering the impact of storage resources. Unreliable factors leading to load shedding are categorized into two groups: objective factors inherent to the component and insufficient storage resources. The latter requires a retrospective analysis of other components that caused unreliability previously. When allocating responsibility for load shedding at a certain time, it begins by allocating it among components based on differences between fixed expected output and actual supply. Expected output insufficiency is considered as the unreliable factor. This insufficiency due to insufficient storage resources is then decomposed into segments, each caused by excessive output in earlier instances of the same component. The expected output excess is attributed to the expected output insufficiency of other components in previous times, for which responsibility has been allocated to each component. Consequently, the expected output insufficiency at a particular time can be traced back based on a temporal recursive model, with the load shedding further allocated to components before that time. Case studies based on several systems demonstrate that the proposed model's allocation results are reasonable and more accurate than the traditional model.

Since the beginning of river valley civilizations, humans have sought to harness the potential of flowing waters. The monumental structures of dams have been instrumental in damming these flowing waters and providing a wide range of benefits to society, including irrigation, drinking water, and generating clean energy. The present paper reviews in detail the hydropower reservoirs (dams) and presents a broader depiction of the 3Ps associated with their profits, problems, and planning. A literature review pertaining to dam construction and their impacts has been undertaken to analyze various approaches involving studies on socio-economic and environmental indicators and sustainability/risk factors related to dams. Various online search engines have been used to identify the desired studies and research for review. The first section of the paper gives a detailed account of the contribution (i.e., profits) made by dams to the economic development of humanity. The second part presents the negative social and environmental impacts (i.e., problems) of dams. As the paper proceeds, numerous tools/models analyzed during the literature review are presented that can be used to mitigate the negative fallouts of these dams (i.e., planning). However, it has been found that all these methods provide fragmented information with no certainty regarding which essential aspects require more emphasis while planning for these superstructures. Thus, a basic uniform frame is suggested, showcasing the fundamental and most critical aspects to be considered while planning a dam structure, which are described according to the three phases of dam construction, i.e., pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases. While presenting the 3Ps (profits, problems and planning) of dams and analyzing their pitfalls, the 3Is (innovative keys) are recommended, emphasizing innovative technologies, innovative planning, and innovative solutions, which are needed in making these dams more optimal, judicious, and sustainable.

Power system unreliability tracing model allocates the system's reliability index to individual components, identifying potential weaknesses. This study expands its scope by considering the impact of storage resources. Unreliable factors leading to load shedding are categorized into two groups: objective factors inherent to the component and insufficient storage resources. The latter requires a retrospective analysis of other components that caused unreliability previously. When allocating responsibility for load shedding at a certain time, it begins by allocating it among components based on differences between fixed expected output and actual supply. Expected output insufficiency is considered as the unreliable factor. This insufficiency due to insufficient storage resources is then decomposed into segments, each caused by excessive output in earlier instances of the same component. The expected output excess is attributed to the expected output insufficiency of other components in previous times, for which responsibility has been allocated to each component. Consequently, the expected output insufficiency at a particular time can be traced back based on a temporal recursive model, with the load shedding further allocated to components before that time. Case studies based on several systems demonstrate that the proposed model's allocation results are reasonable and more accurate than the traditional model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's electrical sector has witnessed a significant decline in hydropower share, leading to an increased reliance on thermal power generation, exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions, and altering rainfall patterns. To mitigate these challenges, a pioneering approach of integrating Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) plants with hydropower reservoirs emerges. This research focuses on the Srisailam hydropower reservoir, estimating FSPV potential in four scenarios and evaluating two floating structures. The results unveil a remarkable transformation: covering less than 3% of the reservoir area could double installed power capacity and boost electricity production by 81%, adding 2664 GWh annually. Additionally, implementing FSPV leads to water savings of 46.57 million cubic meters per year, generating an extra 15.01 GWh of hydropower yearly. This visionary integration offers a sustainable solution, balancing energy generation with water conservation. It urges policymakers and innovators to embrace renewable energy's coexistence with responsible resource management. By harnessing this synergy, India can pave the way toward a greener, more sustainable future, mitigating climate change's impact and securing energy for generations to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops an analysis of the politics and temporality of infrastructure through a focus on the idea of a project. A project (noun) is an assemblage of expertise, labour, materials and resources. The development of a project to build a port, pipeline, a mine, or a hydropower plant entails the mobilization of ideas, finance, political support and the law, the containment of material forces, as well as the organization of expertise, resources and labour. To project is also a verb; to throw forwards or to imagine, visualize or speculate on a possible future, which may or may not be actualized in practice. Moreover, individual infrastructural projects are often built on the legacy of earlier projects and conceived as contributions to ambitious projections of the future – including modernization, socialism, development and state building. Our analysis of the politics and temporality of projects is both developed and illustrated through an account of infrastructural projects in the Republic of Georgia which are also understood as contributions to a larger project of transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy mini-grids are considered a cost-effective way to provide electricity for a large proportion of the population in developing countries who do not have access to it. Compared with standalone home systems and national grid systems, mini-grids can potentially offer a better service. They can be deployed faster, making them essential for sustainable development, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of developing countries. However, mini-grids often face challenges regarding their resilience, and many fail to survive beyond their pilot phases. This paper aims to identify the factors contributing to the success of mini-grids and to identify common themes that can help existing and future mini-grid developments become more resilient and influence policy decision making. To achieve this goal, we developed a database of the status of mini-grids in Malawi, with the energy generation resource(s) of their installed capacity, enabling factors, and challenges. We undertook a more detailed investigation of two hydro mini-grid systems—Bondo and Chipopoma. We collected qualitative and quantitative data through literature reviews, site visits, interviews, and observations. The study identified 19 mini-grids with a combined installed capacity of 26 MW. Of these, seven had been abandoned, and one was under development. Several factors that affect successful mini-grid efficacy in Malawi were identified, including financial resourcefulness, technical resourcefulness, policies and regulations, community engagement and capacity building, cross-sector linkages, and institutional organisational frameworks. These factors need to be integrated into decision making by all stakeholders to ensure the enhancement of resilience and the sustainable development of mini-grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For recent hydroelectric pumped storage projects, the construction of embankment dam structures on alluvial deposits consisting of exceptionally soft soil and in areas with high seismicity was required. This contribution shares experiences and challenges from the static and seismic design of embankment dam structures and ground treatment options. Finite element‐based static and seismic analyses using the Hardening Soil Small Strain model (HSS) showed that preconsolidation has clear benefits compared to stone columns for ground improvement purposes. Regardless of general advantages of surface sealing systems for frequent and rapid impoundment level changes, it was found that clay core design options perform very well under seismic loading conditions and even better than surface‐sealed structures. Seismic ground and structure response analyses involving soft soil considering shear strain‐dependent stiffness degradation revealed that deamplification is expected in contrast to the rule‐of‐thumb amplification approaches enshrined in many seismic design guidelines and codes. It was found that this effect increases with seismic magnitudes and that saturation of peak ground acceleration (PGA) takes place. This results in relatively moderate structure excitations even under significant dynamic excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Project entered operation in October 2019. After this the Mekong started to behave strangely-the water ran blue and clear instead of red and silty, and the great backflow of the river into Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake arrived off schedule or, at times, threatened to not arrive at all. Villagers who had remained ambivalent or apathetic about hydropower issues suddenly found themselves facing a radically altered world, where a seemingly distant power was able to dramatically alter the nature of their every day. These shifts introduced an arrhythmia into the hydroscape: ecological, fishing, and religious cycles adapted to a seasonal river were off sync with power demands. The radical alteration that dams make to the landscape, in the promise of irrigation, electrification, and the sheer feat of changing a river, are a tangible symbol of the state's power over its land. But with a deep look into hydropower projects-in this case, the dams across the midstream of the Mekong in Laos and China-the story grows more convoluted. Here are conflicting narratives of power: state-focused, international, and royalist; as well as religious, ecological, and hydrosocial. Here, too, as I found in my eight years of fieldwork in Lao-speaking Thailand, is an alteration in time, where the rhythms of the river change the rhythms of life, and where the cyclical riparian clock clashes with a future-oriented developmentalist notion of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Don Sahong Hydropower Project (DSHPP), located in the Khone Falls area of Khong District, Champasak Province, southern Laos, near the border with Cambodia, has been amongst the most controversial hydropower dams in the Mekong River Basin. Despite considerable regional and international opposition, the dam was finally constructed, becoming commercially operational in 2020. In 2011, I expressed serious concerns about the project's potential impacts on long-distance migratory fish and associated fisheries, especially fish that migrate from Cambodia and Vietnam up the Mekong River to Laos and Thailand. However, my concerns have somewhat changed along with the circumstances, although they continue to focus on dam impacts on migratory fish. I am now particularly concerned about the indirect impacts of the DSHPP on the fishing livelihoods in the Khone Falls area, and the impacts of the dam on fish larvae and fish passing through the dam's turbines when migrating downstream. Using a political ecology approach, this paper considers how infrastructure, in this case a large hydropower dam located on the Mekong River, has altered the spatialities associated with the project in particular ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower dam projects in the Lower Mekong Basin are part of long-term and interactive land and water transformations, displacement, and violence. Within these ongoing processes, dams represent intense and adverse episodes of disruption that escalate nature-society transformations. Drawing on research at Cambodia's Lower Sesan 2 Hydropower Dam (LS2 Dam), we examine how such episodes of nature-society rupture catalyze new waves of frontier-making and mobility that further intensify land and resource struggles. In this ethnically diverse landscape, the abrupt hydrological changes caused by the LS2 Dam have escalated land struggles among various ethnic groups, especially migrants intent on claiming land and water resources, and Indigenous/minority groups displaced by the dam. We show how historical relations with land and socio-political marginalization by the state have produced differentiated opportunities, risks, and frictions among the four main ethnic groups present in this landscape: Indigenous Bunong, Lao, Cham, and Khmer. The LS2 Dam case shows how nature-society rupture reifies frontier dynamics by disrupting existing land/water relations, which precipitates in-migration, new resource claims, and associated conflict along ethnic lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mekong River has long conjured images of power: cascading waterfalls, impenetrable rapids, and pervading spirits. But power is always malleable and shifting, a fact not lost on the human and nonhuman agents who live with the river and its tributaries. Rises and drops in water levels that once fluctuated in accordance with the seasons have now become beholden to the electricity needs of urban centres like Bangkok: a shift from watershed to powershed. The emerging techno-political realities of the Mekong give rise to new ways of seeing and managing the river, often at the cost of longheld local understandings and configurations of power. The recent boom in hydropower development in the Mekong Basin has been alarming, and rapid change has had adverse impacts on the riparian peoples who depend on the river for their livelihoods. Despite the countless negative social and ecological impacts from dams, especially on the mainstream Mekong, hydropower investments and construction continue. New hegemonic scales and configurations of power have emerged in the Mekong Basin, but older local ones have not simply disappeared. Rather, power shifts in and out of plain sight. In this special issue, we trace the flows, scales, and reconfigurations of power from the management of Mekong water flows and the financing of hydropower projects through to the ruptures and (un) intended consequences of hydropower dam projects on living human and nonhuman worlds in the region. Through a multi-scaled and multi-sited lens, we bring to light emerging worlds in the Mekong Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and smart power system has turned microgrids (MGs) into effective platforms for incorporating various energy sources into network operations. To ensure productivity and minimize issues, it integrates the energy sources in a coordinated manner. To introduce a MG system, combines solar photovoltaic and small-hydro-power sources. This MG connected to grid includes electric vehicle charging system operates independently from grid. A control method is proposed for MG systems called GOA-THDCNN approach, which is hybrid of Gannet Optimization Algorithm (GOA) and Tree Hierarchical Deep Convolutional Neural Network (THDCNN). It aims effectively manage microgrid systems. The proposed technique has three primary objectives. Firstly, it aims to manage grid-tied load by employing hybrid PV network injection. It helps maximize power utilization and enhances performance of excitation. Secondly, promote smart distribution cooperation through decentralized system that interfaces with micro-energy grid integration, ensures network power support. Lastly, integration of individual plug-in electric charging and storage devices with unidirectional grid isolation. This combines photovoltaic and hydropower sources with electric vehicle charging and employs maximum power point tracking and control for operation. The performance runs in MATLAB software. As a result, it ensures voltage management, dynamic energy for charging electric vehicles. Compare to suggested technique higher level of power loss using GA, and PSO and SSA methods. So proposed technique gives less power loss than existing methods. The mean of proposed is 1.0935 and existing PSO-1.3372, SSA-1.4844. The proposed method is low compared to existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower plants (HPPs) create barriers across rivers and fragment aquatic ecosystems, river reaches and habitats. The reservoirs they create slow the flowing water and convert the riverine into lacustrine ecosystems. The barriers created by HPPs interrupt the seasonal migrations of many fish species, while the reservoirs drive away fish species that are dependent on flowing water habitats. This paper assesses the distribution of fish species in the 3S rivers—Sekong, Sesan and Sre Pok, in Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam—using IUCN Red List-assessed species distribution by HydroBasin Level 8 from the freshwater reports of the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) and their connectivity with the Mekong. There are currently 61 commissioned dams in the 3S basins and a further 2 under construction, 23 of which are larger than the 30 MW installed capacity. A further 24 HPPs are proposed or planned in these basins. The changes in connectivity caused by the dams are measured by adapting the River Class Connectivity Index (RCICLASS); the original connectivity of the 3S basin taking into account the two major waterfalls in the Sesan and Sre Pok rivers was estimated at 80.9%. With existing dams, the connectivity has been reduced to 23.5%, and with all planned dams, it is reduced further to 10.9%. The resulting re-distribution of fish species occurring throughout the 3S basins is explored, by focusing on migratory guilds and threatened and endemic fish species. With all dams built, it is predicted that the total numbers of species in HydroBasins above the dams will be reduced by 40–50%. The Threatened Species Index is estimated to fall from over 30 near the confluence of the three rivers to less than 10 above the lowest dams on the 3S rivers. The analysis demonstrates how widely available global and regional datasets can be used to assess the impacts of dams on fish biodiversity in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish stranding in rivers, due to rapid shoreline dewatering, often occurs during the down‐ramping phase of hydropeaks, which enables peak energy production. Multiple hydropeaking characteristics and river morphology influence stranding, but little is known about the effects of riverbed microstructures. Our goal was to identify how the combination of hydropeaking characteristics and the occurrence of morphological microstructures (e.g., puddles and scour pools) influences fish stranding. For this purpose, we used an extensive dataset of fish stranding observations collected over 3 years in spring at 48 sites along a 50 km‐long reach of the Ain River, France. We aimed (1) to characterize stranding events and their associated fish assemblages and (2) to identify the spatial and temporal determinants of stranding. The occurrence of morphological microstructures was the main factor explaining fish stranding. Scour pools had a strong impact, followed by scour puddles, humid zones, and alluvial puddles. Then, hydropeaking characteristics interacted with morphology and modulated the intensity of stranding. Low flow ranges (low peak flow and low base flow) occurring after periods without hydropeaks induced 'salmonid fry' stranding events and 'super‐stranding' events (massive stranding of many taxa). Other flow ranges induced 'regular cyprinid fry' stranding events. Salmonids were particularly subject to stranding at the beginning of the sampling period. Recommendations are (1) to act in priority on sites where stranding is most likely, by morphological operations or by installing attractive structures in the perennial area and (2) to maintain attractive, perennial habitats in the low flow range of hydropeaks, for example, by increasing base flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economy of South Asia is experiencing growth, yet it faces constraints due to heavy reliance on fossil fuels and frequent power outages. Access to diverse energy sources, particularly electricity, is crucial for sustaining this growth. One feasible solution involves neighbouring countries engaging in the trade of renewable electrical energy. Hydropower stands as one of the many energy sources available in South Asia. However, sectorial constraints pose significant challenges to energy trade initiatives. This study utilises the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate Nepal's readiness and identify obstacles to its cross-border energy trade with India and Bangladesh. A comprehensive analysis of these obstacles is imperative for formulating effective strategies and policies. Additionally, this study offers recommendations for enhancing preparedness and resolving issues related to energy trading, which may apply to similar cross-border situations. This study ranks energy trading obstacles with neighbouring nations using the AHP, offering key insights for stakeholders and policymakers. Using a non-probabilistic purposeful sampling technique, 25 expert respondents from the energy sector and prominent academicians were selected as part of the data collection procedure. At every level of the interview process, their perspectives were invaluable in guaranteeing a thorough and rigorous investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower is Indonesia's second most significant renewable energy source, following solar energy. It possesses a substantial capacity of 75,000MW, constituting around 17.8% of the overall renewable energy portfolio in the country. However, hydropower installations in Indonesia account for only 0.061% of the available potential, leaving a considerable gap. One effort to bridge the gap is the development of a water turbine. Because Savonius has been a popular turbine in recent years, this research was conducted using one. Because of the Savonius's simple structure, it is simple to modify. This study aims to determine how the number and size of fins affect the performance of the Savonius water turbine. Computational Fluid Dynamics with two-dimensional analysis was used in this study. The Fluent Solver and the Ansys Student version software were used in this study. The variations included no fins, one fin, and two fins on the rotor. The k-shear Stress Transport (SST), which produces accurate findings by combining the k-model for free flow and the standard k-model for boundary (wall) flow. Inlet velocities of 0.3m/s, 0.65m/s, and 0.9m/s were utilized for the research simulations. At a flow velocity of 0.65m/s and a TSR of 0.77, the power coefficient is increased by 13.8% by adding two fins compared to the configuration without fins. The findings were subsequently subjected to a two-factor factorial design analysis. The findings indicate that the number of fins and the TSR factor exert a substantial impact. However, two factors have no influence on each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When less water is available, hydropower turbines are less efficient, or have to stop altogether. This reality is often neglected in recent work on the planning and operations of hydropower systems, despite widespread expected increases in drought intensity, frequency and duration. This paper is the first to integrate variable‐efficiency turbines into a hydropower plant design framework that accounts for design optimization as well as deep uncertainty in climatic and socio‐economic variables. Specifically, this framework focuses on leveraging multi‐objective robust decision making for the financially robust design of run‐of‐river hydropower plants, whose output is highly sensitive to flow variability. Application to five plants in Türkiye challenges two key design assumptions, use of net present value as a design objective and use of identical turbines. Instead, maximizing the benefit‐cost ratio yields plants with better financial viability over a range of plausible futures. They tend to have smaller capacity, and feature a small turbine that is well‐adapted to low‐flow periods. Another key insight is that socio‐economic uncertainties have as much or even more impact on robustness than climate conditions. In fact, these uncertainties have the potential to make many small hydropower projects too risky to build. Our findings are of considerable practical relevance at a time where 140 GW of unexploited small hydropower potential could help power the energy transition. They also highlight the need for similar research in reservoir‐based plants, considering over 3,000 such plants planned or in construction worldwide. Key Points: Traditional approaches to hydropower planning need to be revisited to account for the impact of a variable climate on turbine efficiencyMaximizing the benefit cost ratio rather than the net present value promotes smaller designs, better adapted to a drought‐prone worldSocio‐economic and climatic factors are both crucial to design financial robustness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest restoration through mechanical thinning, prescribed burning, and other management actions is vital to improving forest resilience to fire and drought across the Western United States, and yields benefits that can be monetized, including improvements in water supply and hydropower. Using California's Sierra Nevada as a study area, we assess the water and energy benefits of forest-restoration projects. By using a scalable top-down approach to track annual evapotranspiration following forest disturbance, coupled with hydropower simulations that include energy-price information, and marginal prices for water sales, we project the potential economic benefits of hydropower and water sales accruing to water-rights holders. The results found that water-related benefits from strategically planned fuels-reduction treatments now being carried out can be sufficient to offset costs of management actions aimed at forest restoration, especially in the face of climate change. Our findings justified investments in restoring forests and reinforce the central role of water and hydropower providers in partnerships for management of source-water watersheds. Results also highlighted the importance of accurate, scalable data and tools from the hydrology and water-resources community.

Hydropower serves as a very important element of the power system all over the world. And it has positive impacts on both economic development and on slowing down climate change related events such as floods and hydropower do not directly emit greenhouse gas which are ones of the main challenges facing humanity in the world. However, apart from its advantages, there are also various disadvantages of hydropower mainly related to its impacts on natural environment. This article overviews, presents and discusses various socio-environmental impacts of hydropower construction and operation in Burundi. Also, the study classifies direct and indirect impacts of hydropower as well as proposing their mitigation strategies. In this article a crucial aspect that is discussed is a new look at the installed capacity in terms of energy production and the presentation of insufficient generation capacity in Burundi which is one of the Sub-Saharan African countries still with a constant problem of lack of energy. The major negative impacts are changing in water quality, relocation of people, changes in the structure of the land and aquatic communities, loss in agriculture production, landslides and slopes destabilization and changing in climate. Another relevant aspect related with the design and construction of hydropower dams is that there are possibilities of creation of low flow reaches, downstream the reservoir, Therefore the river stretches should be remained with a minimum water flow to lessen the potentialities of the occurrence of hydrological drought and ecological damages.

Genetic Algorithms (GA) are highly effective in optimizing hydropower release parameters, identifying global optima in complex systems, and adapting to varying circumstances, making them ideal for managing hydropower conditions. This study employs GA to optimize hydropower release at Wonorejo Reservoir, Indonesia, aiming to balance power generation with flood control, irrigation, and environmental sustainability. The application of GA improved operational efficiency, resulting in a 10.24 % increase in electricity production. Notably, during the rainy season, the improvement was 27.3 % higher than in the dry season, highlighting GA responsiveness to seasonal variations. These findings demonstrate GA potential as a valuable tool for reservoir management.