|
标题：
Empowering the Future: Addressing Climate Change Challenges Through Hydropower Development Policies |
摘要：
Since 1880, the average global temperatures have increased by about 1 degree Celsius. Although it is just a small amount, raising Earth's average annual surface temperature requires an immense amount of heat energy, leading to a substantial rise in accumulated heat. The observed and projected shifts in mean temperature and rainfall, in all regions of the world, could bring changes in temperature and precipitation extremes. As a contributing author for the Philippines, part of South-east Asia, and reviewer of Eastern Asia country report, I have summarized the climate change effects in the two regions that are mentioned in the World Small Hydropower (SHP) Development Report 2022 by the UNIDO and ICSHP. South-east Asian region is governed by monsoon precipitation that is influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In Eastern Asia, ice glaciers feeding the two river basins (the Yellow River and Yangtze River) with the highest hydropower experienced significant melting with increased temperatures. Heavy rainfall and suspended sediment in other rivers are both projected to increase while hydropower plants with insufficient water levels have been abandoned. It is recommended that hydropower development policies in the regions should prioritize dam safety and basin planning to mitigate risks associated with flash flooding events. Moreover, reservoir-based SHP plants should be considered for future water infrastructure development to avoid the elevated vulnerability of run-of-river plants to fluctuations in streamflow. In case opportunities for construction of additional large hydropower plants are limited, construction of SHP plants could be an active subsector of hydropower development through policies promoted by the national government. Further, a study on turbines generating 217 watts (83 % efficiency, 4-bladed turbine) and 148 watts (45 % efficiency, 6-bladed turbine) at low head conditions was conducted. Two Kaplan turbines, one operational during low flow months and two on months of high flow were also studied. The PCF at turbine rating of 2.3–7.5 kW and 1.9–5.5 kW were 49.9% and 51.8%, respectively. Hydroelectric power PCF normally ranges from 38 to 50%. Capacity factors greater than 50% are typically considered high. Modeling to improve the efficiency of existing systems and designing systems that could function during extreme precipitation conditions could address small hydropower development amidst the climate change crisis. |
简介：
Dr. Joan Cecilia Casila is an Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. She studied and earned a PhD degree in Engineering major in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Tokyo Metropolitan University. She is also an Associate Member of the National Research Council of the Philippines. She was recently awarded with a Professorial Chair Award in Agribiosystems Engineering for outstanding teaching and research. Her fields of specialization are hydropower, river and estuary water quality, salt and sediment transport, and soil and water conservation engineering. Dr. Casila's global representation of the Philippines in prominent organizations like the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the International Center for Small Hydropower underlines her expertise in sustainable energy. Her diplomatic skills were further demonstrated in her interview by the World Small Hydropower Development Report Youth Team. Here, she shared invaluable insights on the potential of Small Hydropower in supporting youth empowerment and women's advancement. She is a reviewer of different scientific journals of Elsevier, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Nature Publishing group. Dr. Casila's commitment to disseminating research findings is evident through her publications in prestigious international journals, conference presentations and organizing special sessions in international conferences. |