Portland Adds Hydroelectric Water Pipes

The city of Portland is known to be progressive, and their latest venture into hydroelectricity is no exception. The eco-friendly city is adopting the latest technology, LucidPipe from Lucid Energy, to harness the power of the city's existing water line. Installed last December and financed privatedly by Harbourton Alternative Energy, the 200-kW LucidPipe system replaces a only a portion of the conventional water pipeline.

It is expected to be in full service by March 2015. It generates electricity by the water flowing through four 42 inch (107 cm) turbines. Each of these turbines is connected to a generator on the exterior of the pipe. By adapting a system which was already in place, Lucid Energy is creating a sustainable energy source that is expected to generate 1,100 megawatt hours of energy per year. That's enough electricity to power an estimated 150 homes per year.

According to plan, it will generate about $2 million USD from energy sales for Portland General Electric, which Harbourton will share with the city and its water bureau, offsetting it's own operational costs. After 20 years, the Portland Water Bureau will be able to purchase the system and all of the energy it creates.

In turning water into electricity, and then into revenue, one would expect some some service concessions. Amazingly, the water flow rate and pressure should be completely unhampered by this system. So, Portlandians will be able to continue enjoying hot showers at full water pressure without an interruption in service.

Source: Gizmag