This project will install in-conduit hydroelectric technology to convert energy dissipated within a water conveyance pipeline into hydroelectric power. Two turbine generators will be placed –line with an existing pressure reducing station. Energy normally released at the pressure reduction station will be converted to electricity and sent to the electrical grid. The project will increase the amount of energy available to the electric power grid, reduce greenhouse gas emission and decrease natural gas consumption used to generate power, while providing consistent and reliable water supply to meet customer drinking water demands. In addition this project will provide up to 10,000 gallons per minute to serve the City of Lincoln in case of an emergency.
The project also demonstrates how a resource that is common to the area (i.e. sharp topographic relief with the resultant ability to generate sufficient head to generate energy) can be maximized to offset the energy consumption that the elaborate conveyance infrastructure in the region uses.
Current status (June 2017)
The project has been completed and certified by the design engineer to be in conformance with the project plans and specifications or modifications.
The project has met the objective provided in the grant funding agreement of providing 10,000 gallons per minute of emergency capacity to the City of Lincoln when required and also providing renewable energy through the use of two 160 kilowatt hydroelectric turbine generators.
The potential energy available in the water supply to the Lincoln Metering Station will be converted to electrical energy and will be returned to the electrical distribution system grid operated by Pacific Gas and Electric company. Approximately 1,000 megawatt-hours of electricity are estimated to be produced annually. An annual summary of the total megawatt-hours produced at the site will be recorded and made available by January 31st of each year.
Lead Agency: Placer County Water Agency
Contact: Kelly Shively, 530-823-4883, kshively@pcwa.net
Measurable Physical Benefits: Water Supply, Energy Efficiency
Watershed: American
County: Placer