Feasibility study of rehabilitation small hydro power plants : case of Nordic countries

Abstract

The master's thesis provides an assessment of the role, significance of management in the rehabilitation of SHPP (Small hydroelectric power plants). The guarantee of appropriate management in conformance with regional and particular conditions can ensure greater efficiencies with less time to return on initial invested funds. The paper, consisting of four parts, is intended to emphasize the relevance of effective management for long-term sustainability of SHPP from side of local community, investors, social congregations and municipal government. First is literature research on hydropower sustainability. Next analysis of current condition of hydroelectric power plants is presented. A briefly presentation of the numerical statistics of energetic infrastructure such as SHP of Nordic countries and policy regulating them in the current economic context are reviewed. An effort has been made to develop a recommendation for feasibility study of rehabilitation project of the Askola small hydropower plant in Finland, including best decision for the planning step by step rehabilitation, respecting all the requirements and using modern technologies suitable for energy management. To justify the validity of the SHPP rehabilitation project, the feasibility study of small hydropower plant was determined based on parameters of rehabilitation project of “Askola” SHPP located in Finland. Some of the obtained results of developed feasibility study may be used reasonably for managerial and investment decision-making process at the planning stage for a specific area for development of such projects as rehabilitation of small hydropower plants. The article closes with certain findings and references.