Enhanced Hydropower Database Final Report | Report Number 18-34 | October 2018 NYSERDA’s Promise to New Yorkers: NYSERDA provides resources, expertise, and objective information so New Yorkers can make confident, informed energy decisions. Mission Statement: Advance innovative energy solutions in ways that improve New York’s economy and environment. Vision Statement: Serve as a catalyst – advancing energy innovation, technology, and investment; transforming New York’s economy; and empowering people to choose clean and efficient energy as part of their everyday lives. Enhanced Hydropower Database Final Report Prepared for: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Albany, NY Prepared by: Gomez and Sullivan Engineers, D.P.C Utica, NY NYSERDA Report 18-34 NYSERDA Contract 104255 October 2018 Notice This report was prepared by Gomez and Sullivan Engineers, D.P.C. in the course of performing work contracted for and sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (hereafter “NYSERDA”). The opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect those of NYSERDA or the State of New York, and reference to any specific product, service, process, or method does not constitute an implied or expressed recommendation or endorsement of it. 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If you are the copyright owner and believe a NYSERDA report has not properly attributed your work to you or has used it without permission, please email [email protected] Information contained in this document, such as web page addresses, are current at the time of publication. ii Table of Contents Notice ........................................................................................................................................ ii List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... v List of Tables ............................................................................................................................ v Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................vi Conversions ............................................................................................................................vii Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ES -1 1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Project Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Previous Studies ........................................................................................................................... 2 2 Status of Hydropower in New York State ........................................................................ 4 2.1 Types of Hydropower Sites ........................................................................................................... 4 2.1.1 Existing Hydropower Dams ................................................................................................... 4 2.1.2 Existing Non-Powered Dams ................................................................................................ 5 2.1.3 Greenfield Sites ..................................................................................................................... 6 2.2 Regulatory Issues, Impediments, and Opportunities .................................................................... 6 2.2.1 Operating Regime ................................................................................................................. 6 2.2.2 Minimum Flow Requirements ................................................................................................ 7 2.2.3 Fish Passage and Protection Requirements ......................................................................... 7 2.3 Key Stakeholders .......................................................................................................................... 8 2.3.1 Dam Owners ......................................................................................................................... 8 2.3.2 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ............................................................................ 10 2.3.3 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ............................................. 11 2.3.4 United States Fish and Wildlife Service .............................................................................. 11 2.3.5 The Public ........................................................................................................................... 11 2.4 Financing Incentives ................................................................................................................... 12 2.4.1 Federal Tax Credits ............................................................................................................. 12 2.4.2 Federal Grants and Other Incentives .................................................................................. 13 2.4.3 Federal Bond Subsidies ...................................................................................................... 14 2.4.4 Renewable Energy Certificates ........................................................................................... 14 iii 3 Database Development ....................................................................................................16 3.1 USACE National Inventory of Dams ........................................................................................... 16 3.2 FERC Project Lists ...................................................................................................................... 18 3.3 INL Hydropower Resource Economics Database ....................................................................... 18 4 Site Screening ..................................................................................................................19 5 Generation Analysis ........................................................................................................24 5.1 Model Inputs ................................................................................................................................ 24 5.1.1 Flow ..................................................................................................................................... 24 5.1.2 Turbine Discharge ............................................................................................................... 25 5.1.3 Net Head ............................................................................................................................. 26 5.1.4 Efficiency ............................................................................................................................. 26 5.2 Generation ................................................................................................................................... 27 5.3 Data Verification .......................................................................................................................... 28 5.4 Upgrade Alternatives ................................................................................................................... 29 5.4.1 Powerhouse Expansions ..................................................................................................... 29 5.4.2 Runner Replacements/Intake Modifications ....................................................................... 29 5.4.3 Minimum Flow Turbines ...................................................................................................... 30 5.5 Results ........................................................................................................................................ 30 6 Cost Analysis ...................................................................................................................35 6.1 Opinions of Probable Construction Cost ..................................................................................... 35 6.1.1 Methodology .......................................................................................................................