The energy ministry aims to increase the number of micro-hydropower plants (small and medium scale), and thus has identified locations in 14 provinces to this end, head of the energy ministry's Education, Research, and Science Department announced Sunday.
Development plans will be designed in proportion to water currents. While generating electricity, hydropower plants also reduce pressure of the water distribution networks, IRIB quoted Hossein Bonakdari as saying.
Micro-hydro power is the small-scale harnessing of energy from falling water, such as steep mountain rivers. Using this renewable, indigenous, non-polluting resource, the hydropower plants can generate electricity for homes, hospitals, schools and workshops.
They can be built in all regions where there are sufficient water reserves. The appliances are to be installed across rivers and water transfer canals. The country's potential hydropower capacity stands at 15,000 megawatts, according to the official.
Unlike traditional power stations that use fossil fuels, micro-hydro generators practically leave no negative impact on the environment. And because they don’t depend on dams to store and direct water, they’re also better for the environment than large-scale hydroelectric stations.
Micro-hydro systems can complement photovoltaic solar energy systems since in many areas, water flow, and thus available hydro power is highest in the winter when solar energy is at a minimum.
Private investors are to implement the projects nationwide. The energy ministry guarantees purchase of the surplus electricity.
