Marketability of Low-Head Hydropower

Low-head hydroelectric generation may be an important electric power source in the future for certain areas in the United States. A methodology is discussed in this brief technical paper for assessing the low-head hydropower marketability in each of twelve regions covering the continental United States. The potential marketability of low-head hydroelectric power was measured by the value to electric utilities of the energy and firm capacity available from hydroplants. The energy credit was calculated using streamflow information for an entire year: the capacity credit was calculated using streamflow information for the season when the electric demand reaches an annual peak