ClearPower Global has secured authorisation for the Tinajones hydropower project in Peru, planning around 20 MW of generation from existing water infrastructure through a $35 million investment in renewable energy recovery.
The project is designed to recover energy from water already moving through existing Tinajones infrastructure. Image: ClearPower Global
The company has been selected by the Olmos Tinajones Special Project (PEOT) to develop hydropower within the Tinajones water system in Peru’s Lambayeque region.
Rather than constructing a new dam, ClearPower plans to install modular turbines at suitable elevation drops within existing water infrastructure while maintaining its primary role supplying water to farms and communities.
Tinajones hydropower project will use existing water infrastructure
ClearPower says the initial development will provide approximately 20 MW of generating capacity, with further expansion opportunities identified by PEOT where hydraulic conditions allow.
The company forecasts annual generation of up to 184 GWh from the initial development.
The project forms part of a 30-year concession arrangement, after which the hydropower infrastructure is expected to revert to PEOT.
The Tinajones hydraulic system is an established part of water infrastructure in Peru’s Lambayeque region. PEOT says the system supports irrigation across more than 85,000 hectares in the Chancay-Lambayeque valley.
ClearPower’s approach is based on recovering energy from water already moving through gravity-fed or pressurised infrastructure rather than changing the primary function of the system.
$35 million investment planned for renewable generation
ClearPower says it plans to invest approximately $35 million in the development.
During the concession, the company will be responsible for operation, maintenance and other project requirements associated with the hydropower installations.
ClearPower also says PEOT will receive at least 1.5 million Peruvian soles annually from electricity generated by the project.
Michael Prendergast, ClearPower Global co-founder and managing partner, said:
“ClearPower’s ability to install and turn on the energy for a complex system like PEOT, without disrupting operations, is what our technology was built for. We can use a community’s vital water supply to also help power it, unlocking nearly endless benefits to communities around the world.”
Hydropower technology targets energy already moving through water networks
ClearPower develops modular systems designed to generate electricity from suitable pressure differences and elevation drops in aqueducts, canals, pipelines and other controlled water infrastructure.
Further information about its approach is available from ClearPower Global.
The model reflects growing interest in generating renewable electricity from infrastructure that already moves large volumes of water, potentially allowing operators to add energy generation without developing conventional hydropower dams.
Climate Global News has previously reported on hydropower systems designed to recover energy from existing water infrastructure, including installations in the US and Thailand.
Adam Swickle, ClearPower Global co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“ClearPower turbines can recover significant amounts of unused energy and revenue across many types of water infrastructure. We provide operators an opportunity to collect what has been left on the table for decades.”
ClearPower and PEOT representatives following authorisation for the Tinajones hydropower development. Image: ClearPower Global
Existing Tinajones system already combines water and energy functions
PEOT describes Tinajones as a multipurpose hydraulic system serving agriculture and regional water management.
Its existing infrastructure includes reservoirs, diversion works, canals and distribution assets. PEOT also reports that the wider Tinajones scheme supports existing hydroelectric generation through the Carhuaquero plant.
The new ClearPower development is intended to add distributed renewable generation within the water network while preserving existing water-delivery operations.
For more renewable-energy developments, visit Climate Global News’ Energy coverage.
Source: ClearPower Global
