Feasibility study of a hydroelectric power plant in the river Dommel, Netherlands. Haalbaarheidsstudie waterkracht in de Dommel

Based on offers from manufacturers of hydroelectric power plants and detailed data on the estimated changes in fall and flow rate over the dam, simulated calculations were carried out to determine the energy yield. Based on the offers for the turbines and calculations of the civil works, the investment costs and other costs have been determined. By means of sensitivity analyses the margins in the yield and price are calculated. It is concluded that for a 37 kW plant more than 200,000 kWh electricity can be produced for 0.162 Dutch guilders per kWh (with subsidies). Without subsidies the kWh price is circa 0.25 Dutch guilders. The annual efficiency is 69% for 5710 full load hours, an average fall of 1.28 m and an average flow rate of 2.8 m[sup 3]/s. It is assumed that all the electricity produced can be supplied to a sewage works in the neighbourhood of the dam. Furthermore it is concluded that the site is appropriate for a hydroelectric power plant regarding the location, management aspects and technical aspects. It is recommended to realize the plant, not only because of the acceptable kWh price, but also for environmental reasons. 14 figs., 8 tabs., 2 appendices, 13 refs.