Hydropower

Hydropower Specialists

Knight Piésold has been in the hydropower business for over 80 years with extensive experience in large and small hydroelectric projects throughout the world. Our experience includes water storage projects, run-of-river projects and pumped storage projects. We provide a “one-stop-shop” for hydropower development, from resource identification and evaluation, financial services, environmental impact assessments and permitting, through to project management, site investigations, detailed engineering design, site supervision, O&M staffing and training, commissioning, and asset management. The improvement of existing units and facilities through power facility additions at existing dams, replacement of aging or low efficient equipment, and equipment upgrades or improvements, are also key elements of Knight Piesold’s hydropower practice. We offer innovative, dedicated and cost-effective solutions to our clients world-wide, which has placed us in the forefront of international consultants in this field.

Storage Hydropower

The value of hydropower with water (energy) storage capabilities is becoming more and more valuable as the world continues its move to a greener economy, with less reliance on fossil fuels and more reliance on renewable energy technologies. The majority of these renewable technologies provide an intermittent energy supply, and hence the need to store and shape energy becomes increasingly important, and storage and pumped storage hydro are some of the most viable and environmentally responsible solutions. Whether you are looking at a Greenfields project for supplying power to the national grid or an isolated off-grid hydropower development to supply power to a remote mine site, our team has the experience and proven track record to help you achieve your goals in a cost effective and sustainable manner. We offer all the engineering and environmental services required to complete the full scope of storage hydro facilities, including extensive reservoir and dam design experience with all major dam types (i.e. Concrete Faced Rockfill Dams, Roller Compacted Concrete Dams, Mass Gravity and Stepped Spillway Dams, Earth Embankment Dams, Membrane Dams and Multi-Arch Concrete Dams).

Run-of-River

Run-of -river hydroelectricity is a type of hydropower generation whereby the natural flow and elevation drop of a river are used to generate electricity. There are no major storage facilities or flooded areas, and run-of-river developments have one of the lowest overall carbon footprints of any renewable energy technology. We have pioneered the development of run-of-river hydropower facilities and these developments are one of the most cost-effective renewable energy sources. Our innovative and dedicated approach to sustainable hydropower development has placed us in the forefront of international consultants in this field. Our water basin planning capability allows the consideration of multiple water uses and coordinated operations of multiple hydroelectric run-of-river facilities. We offer the full range of services from project identification, including the use of GIS integrated assessment tools, to permitting, detailed design and construction supervision.

Pumped Storage

A pumped-storage plant uses two reservoirs, one located at a much higher elevation than the other. During periods of low demand for electricity, such as nights and weekends, energy is stored by reversing the turbines and pumping water from the lower to the upper reservoir. The stored water can later be released to turn the turbines and generate electricity as it flows back into the lower reservoir. Knight Piésold’s team has the experience and dedication to help you identify opportunities and realize your pumped storage hydro goals in a cost effective and sustainable manner.