Advances in Small Hydropower Energy Production in Ukraine

Abstract

Traditional sources of energy are becoming shorter and more expensive. Current global financial crisis can temporally postpone raising in the energy price but nothing can stop shortening of the fossil energy sources, which currently supply a significant part of the global energy production. Wider involvement of various renewable energy sources is unavoidable for maintaining development of any national economy. Wide network of the small hydropower plants (SHPs) can ensure stable energy production in Ukraine especially for small and medium size consumers. These plants can be installed at numerous small rivers, industrial water/wastewater pipes and require comparatively low initial/renovation investment. Maintenance fee of SHPs is very moderate while working term and prospects are quite long. Unlikely to regular hydropower plants SHPs cause minimal negative environmental effects and should occupy more significant place in the nearest energy production development plans. The Ukrainian SHPs currently produce about 2% of the total electrical energy output from the national hydropower industry. Rebuilding of old Ukrainian SHPs and construction of all prospective plants can at least double this value.