Integrating microturbines into sewage systems of lowland areas

Abstract

The untapped potential of small, mini, and micro hydro power (MHP) systems in municipal sewage systems, in cluding wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), has largely remained unexplored. This unconventional hy dropower source (or so-called in-conduit hydro) is re ceiving more attention from regulators and hydro engi neers in several countries [1-5]. However, no such hydro plants are operating in Lithuania and other Baltic States. This „sleeping” hydropower potential has seen no ex ploitation due to a number of technical and non-tech nical issues in low-lying countries. A significant cause of not harnessing this potential in this region is relatively low power capacities due to flat topography resulting in low or moderate drop in elevation. It’s expected that the ongoing LIFE Nexus project activities [6] will signifi cantly improve the database of the potential sites and provide valuable information for water utilities and po tential investors