School of Engineering and Technology, (SET)
 
CE74.9007 : Selected Topic: Sustainable Hydropower Development  3(3-0)
 
Course objectives:

The objective of this course is to provide the students with an updated knowledge of the hydropower planning, development and management considering the socio-economic and environmental impacts. Furthermore, the course will provide methods and tools for assessment of impacts from hydropower development and planning hydropower projects in the best possible way on a local, national, and regional levels.
 
Learning Outcomes:
The students on completion of this course would be able to:
  • Apply principles of sustainability in planning, development and management of hydropower projects
  • Assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts of hydropower development and management
  • Apply the methods and tools for planning sustainable hydropower projects
 
Pre-requisite(s):

None
 
Course Outline:
I.          Hydropower and Sustainable Development [1.5hrs * 6 lectures= 9hrs]
1.     Introduction to hydropower and components of a hydropower system
2.     Role of hydropower in the global renewable energy mix
3.     Sustainable development: definition, principles, context & issues
4.     Sustainability aspects of hydropower development
5.     Criteria of sustainability assessment of hydropower developments

II.         River Basin Ecosystems in Hydropower Development [1.5hrs * 6 lectures=9hrs]
1.     Overview of the large dams and hydropower debate
2.     General concepts of ecosystems, hydropower impacts
3.     Hydropower and aquatic biodiversity
4.     Reservoir sedimentation and watershed management
5.     Assessment of environmental impacts

III.       Hydropower and Economic Development [1.5hrs * 6 lectures=9hrs]
1.     Introduction to economics and hydropower
2.     Frameworks and tools for economic assessment of hydropower
3.     Cost-benefit analysis and hydropower
4.     Valuation of benefits and costs
5.     Distribution of benefits and costs

IV.       Social Aspects in Hydropower Development [1.5hrs * 6 lectures=9hrs]
1.     Background and context
2.     Outstanding social issues
3.     Social impact assessment & stakeholders’ participation
4.     Resettlement and local shares
5.     Compensation policy and benefit-sharing
           
V.        Climate Change and Hydropower Development [1.5hrs * 6 lectures= 9hrs]
1.     Basic concepts of climate change and hydropower
2.     Hydropower sitting, design and operations in a changing climate
3.     Hydropower and adaptation
4.     Hydropower and mitigation
5.     Implications for sustainable development
 
Laboratory Sessions:

None
 
Learning Resources:

Textbook:

No designated textbook, but class notes and handouts will be provided 
 
Reference Books:
1.     Forsund, F. R, 2007: Hydropower Economics, Springer USA.
2.     Morris, G.L. and Jiahua, F. (1998): Reservoir Sedimentation Handbook: Design and Management of Dams, Reservoirs and Watersheds for Sustainable Use, McGraw-Hill Book co., New York.
3.     Hydropower Engineering,
4.     USAID (2007) USAID PES sourcebook: Lessons and best practice for pro-poor payment for ecosystem services.
5.     IFC. (2002): Handbook for Preparing a Resettlement Action Plan. IFC: Environment and Social Development Department. The World Bank Group, Washington, USA.
6.     Rupert, C.E., 2014: Hydropower: Types, Development Strategies and Environmental Impacts, Nova Science Pub Inc; UK ed. Edition
7.     Matthews, N & Geheb, K., 2015: Hydropower Development in the Mekong Region: Political, Socio-economic and Environmental Perspectives, Routledge
 
Journals and Magazines:
1.     International Journal of Hydropower & Dams, Aqua Media International Ltd.
2.     Environment, Development and Sustainability, Springer
3.     International Journal of River Basin Management, Taylor & Francis
4.     International Journal of Water Resource Development, Taylor and Francis
5.     Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier
6.     Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier

Others:
1.     IHA, 2017: Better Hydro: Compendium of Case Studies 2017, International Hydropower Association
2.     GIZ, 2015: Training Manuals on Sustainable Hydropower, GIZ, Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Network on Sustainable Hydropower in the Mekong Region (NSHDM)
 
Time Distribution and Study Load:
Classroom Lecture                                                        45 hrs
Self-study (incl. assignments/group projects)                135hrs              
 
Teaching and Learning Methods:
In addition to class room lectures, students are provided with reading materials such as journal papers, case studies and reports. Home assignments and group projects are given to assess students’ knowledge on water resources systems analysis. Separate tutorial classes are organized to enhance students learning capacity.
 
Evaluation Scheme:
The final grade is computed according to the following weight distribution: Mid-semester Exam (30%); Final Exam (40%); Assignments (30%). Closed book examination is given in both mid-semester and final exams.

An “A” grade will be awarded to those students, who demonstrate an ‘excellent’ understanding and application of sustainability concept in hydropower planning, development and management of hydropower projects. A“B” grade will be awarded to those students who demonstrate a ‘good’ understanding and application of sustainability concept in hydropower planning, development and management of hydropower projects. A “C” grade will be given to those students who demonstrate an ‘average’ understanding and application of sustainability concept in hydropower planning, development and management of hydropower projects. A “D” grade will be given to those students who demonstrate a ‘below average’ understanding and application of sustainability concept in hydropower planning, development and management of hydropower projects.
 
Instructor(s):
SECTION NAME