Why can’t we install small water turbines in California’s expansive aqueduct system?
In: Technology
You can. Adding turbines to canals is done all over the world. It’s just a question of whether there’s any value to doing it.
To generate hydro power you either need a lot of water (which is why most hydro dams are massive,) or a lot of energy in the water (so-called run of river plants will divert water 300 metres about the powerhouse.) A small irrigation canal likely doesn’t have enough flow or enough energy to generate enough power to justify the expense associated with installing the turbine and associated wiring.
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