Currently, small hydropower development is a complex and uncertain undertaking, with design engineering, construction, equipment selection, environmental impact mitigation strategies, and total installed costs driven by site-specific considerations. Given existing technologies, there are limited opportunities for new, affordable hydropower growth.
To address these challenges, the Standard Modular Hydropower (SMH) Technology Acceleration project defines standardization, modularity, and environmental compatibility as three enabling principles of a low-cost, environmentally sustainable hydropower growth strategy. SMH poses the question: Can we develop low-cost, modular, replicable hydropower facilities that preserve or enhance river function?
The project takes multiple research approaches for promoting SMH technology acceleration, as evidenced in its two core research tasks: Module Research & Development, and SMH Facility Research & Development. Together, the associated research activities aim to enable the design and development of new SMH technologies for both existing water infrastructure and new stream-reach development.
