Author(s): Kristina Petra Zubovic; Calvin Stephen; John Byrne; Patrick Morrissey; Mary Kelly-Quinn; Aonghus Mcnabola

Linked Author(s): 0009-0001-7135-5816

Keywords: Rchimedes screw pump-turbine; Barrier modification; Environmental sustainability; Renewable energy; Water engineering

Abstract: Increasing energy demand and reliance on fossil fuels is a driver for the exploration of alternative renewable energy sources, including hydropower generation. Sustainable micro-hydropower (MHP) energy installations can play an active role in decreasing this reliance on fossil fuels while decarbonising our electric grid, especially considering the more variable nature of other renewable sources. MHP coupled with the use of existing barriers in rivers can lower environmental impacts and costs of new micro-hydropower projects. However, the recently enacted nature restoration law (NRL) in Europe mandates for the removal or modification of a large number of existing river barriers to reconnect river ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. While the objectives of the NRL are critical these reduce the potential for future hydropower projects, and potentially reduce the existing hydropower capacity. In this paper, a river barrier modification system is proposed as a synergistic solution to the objectives of the NRL and the need for greater renewable energy production. The system incorporates an Archimedes screw based pump-turbine (AS-PT) serving the competing needs of renewable energy generation and upstream transport of migrating fish, modifying barriers and reconnecting rivers in the process. The design and development of the river barrier modification system is outlined. The results of this paper highlight that a balance can be achieved between the competing interests of nature restoration and MHP generation with a synergistic solution addressing both priorities.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41WC-P1903-cd

Year: 2025