Admission requirements
Required course(s):
- Earth Systems Science
Description
Hydropower is championed as a crucial renewable energy source. But is it sustainable? This 300-level course examines hydropower generation and its environmental impacts, especially from a hydrologic and geomorphic perspective. In addition to reviewing how riverine streamflow is converted into stream power and electricity, the course examines a range of environmental impacts caused by dams and reservoirs, with a focus on large hydropower dams. Additional themes includes climate change impacts to hydropower generation, dam and reservoir impacts to aquatic habitats, and downstream geomorphic impacts to rivers and wetlands due to reservoir sediment trapping. Finally, we review modification of dam structure and flow release strategies for environmental justifications, as well as dam removal.
Weekly Overview:
Week 1 – Hydropower and river systems
Week 2 – Dam types and electricity generation
Week 3 – Hydropower planning: power generation
Week 4 – Hydropower planning: environmental constraints
Week 5 – Environmental impacts of dams to rivers
Week 6 – Dam removal and river restoration
Week 7 – Climate change impacts on hydropower
Course Objectives
Basic calculations to estimate electricity generation by dams and streamflow,
Site specific design of dams and reservoirs in relation to power generation,
Reservoir sedimentation and its influence on streampower generation and dam safety,
Climate variability and changes to hydropower generation,
Fluvial geomorphic impacts of dams,
Environmental impacts of dams and reservoirs on aquatic habitats and organisms,
Dam removal and river restoration.
Timetable
Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2024-2025 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
The course format consist of lectures, discussion, and in-class practical assignment organized along three key themes, specifically (i) electricity generation by dams and rivers, (ii) geomorphic and hydrologic considerations in regards to the location of hydropower and dams, and (iii) modification and removal of hydropower dams for environmental restoration. Class discussion requires that students have read prior to coming to class so that they can constructively participate in structured and ad-hoc discussion. In each class we will do manual and/or computer-based exercises that complements course readings. Finally, the course includes an (optional) field trip (and overnight stay) to the famous Eifel dams, located ~3 hours from LUC in the Eifel Mountains National Park, Germany.
Field trip to the Eifel dams (overnight stay in Eifel National Park, Germany (https://www.eifel.info/en/nature/the-eifel-national-park)
Assessment Method
In-class and field trip participation: 15% (continuous)
Quiz: 10% (week 3)
Hydro lab: 25% (week 5)
Site assessment for a new hydropower dam: 30% (week 8)
Final exam: 20% (week 8)
Reading list
A reading list made available before the course.
Registration
Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Paul Hudson, p.f.hudson@luc.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
Some minor expenses may be incurred for the field trip. Details provided on first day of class.