Hydropower is an invaluable component of the domestic generation portfolio providing not only renewable generation resources but also flexibility to the grid, enabling the effective integration of…

Hydropower is an invaluable component of the domestic generation portfolio providing not only renewable generation resources but also flexibility to the grid, enabling the effective integration of variable renewables such as wind and solar. Despite hydropower's value there has been limited new hydropower deployment in the last several decades due to project cost and challenges associated with construction of new dams. One potential path forward is the conversion of non-powered dams (NPDS) with generation infrastructure to provide power. NPD conversion processes and technologies are still emerging, with additional deployments needed to revise techniques and help build industry confidence in the performance, efficiency, safety of the sector. The work proposed as part of this project seeks to facilitate the deployment and performance testing of an NPD conversion technology, specifically the amjet turbine system (ATS) system developed by amjet, to help overcome deployment and adaptation barriers for the hydropower and DAM owner communities. This project benefits from previous investments in spillway adaptation to facilitate the technology deployment at keokuk energy center, a hydropower plant owned by ameren. Funding from the U.S. Department of energy will support unlock testing of two sizes of ATS units, the results of which will be publicly disseminated to assist in the utilization of novel components, approaches, designs, and/or construction techniques for development of hydropower at NPDS. There are two budget periods, each with specific objectives which build toward the goal of technology maturity and technology transition.