Problems and prospects of development of small hydropower plants in mountainous regions (the case of Altai Krai)

K. Ch. Kadamov, a graduate of the Institute of Geography of Altai State University, defended his master's thesis "Problems and prospects of development of small hydropower plants in mountainous regions (the case of Altai Krai)” at the Department of Economic Geography and Cartography in 2020.

Dissertation supervisor was Doctor of Geography, Professor B. A. Krasnoyarova.
The thesis is available at: http://elibrary.asu.ru/xmlui/bitstream/handle/asu/9104/vkr.pdf?sequence=1

This work is devoted to the study of small hydropower generation in mountainous areas, the study of water flow potential of small rivers in mountain and foothill areas in Altai Krai. The magistrate studied the concept of the Sibiryachikhinskaya MPP project (midget power plant), identified possible problems and impact on geo-ecology during construction and operation, and outlined prospects in the socio-economic sphere of the region. The work proved that the need to develop unconventional small power engineering in Altai Krai is dictated by its deficit and the possibility of its mobile development in hard-to-reach and remote areas from the centralized power system, which is mainly powered by traditional sources.

The most promising areas of renewable energy use in Altai Krai are the development of wind energy potential and local energy fuels and solar radiation. However, their design and development are limited by the high cost of their implementation. The most realistic development of small mountain hydropower industry, with natural landscapes of the region, especially its southeastern part can be at the foothills and highlands.

The Altai Mountains, allow us to do it. The rivers Anuy, Charysh, and Peschannaya, flowing in this part of the region, have energy potential. At present, exploration works and projects in this direction have already been carried out. Nevertheless, the adopted Individual Program for Socio-Economic Development of Altai Krai for 2020-2024 does not envisage solving the issue of power shortages in any of the following options.

For the purpose of the development of small hydropower engineering in Siberia, the author prepared the concept of the project for the construction of the Siberian Small Hydropower Plant in Altai Krai and selected the site for its location; developed the layout of hydraulic structures and their parameters; defined the main energy parameters of midget power plant.

Further development of the Sibiryachikhinskaya MPP project is limited by its economic and geographical location and is considered rather unfavorable. The periphery and remoteness of the main transportation routes are enhanced by barrier conditions. The effect of the mountains also noted a decrease in the rates of socio-economic growth of adjacent territories, that is, a decrease in solvent demand for energy produced. HPPs of this type have a small impact on the environment. If the relevant requirements are met, minimal changes in natural landscapes can be achieved, which will significantly increase the investment attractiveness of the area. Moreover, with the filling of the reservoir, there will be opportunities for tourism development here.

This contributes to the All-Russian target:
Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
«Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix»