Generating Hydropower in City's Water Pipes
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Technology
A Portland Start-up is Tapping a New Source of Renewable Power Inside the City's Water Pipes. The New System Uses the Power of Gravity in the City's Water Pipes
Lucid Energy has installed four small hydroelectric generators in a pipe that carries drinking water to the city. They will produce enough electricity to power 150 homes.
Company CEO Gregg Semler says this kind of hydropower doesn't disrupt fish or natural stream flows the way dams do. And it supplies a continuous source of renewable energy unlike wind and solar.
His company is exploring additional projects in California, Arizona and Las Vegas.
"There's a huge amount of potential for this. Once we've proven Portland over the next few months, we'll announce our next one," Semler said.
The project is a good deal for the city of Portland. The company covered the $1 million dollar cost of installing it, and some of the revenue from energy sales will go back to the city to offset the cost of running the water system.
Source: NorthWest Public Radio
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