Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />pattern of the reservoir must also be known to deter- <br />mine whether this pattern is compatible with pro- <br />jected power generation needs of the project. <br /> <br />Once the hydropower potential has been estimated, <br />the integrity of the dam and other existing features <br />should be assessed. The extent of repairs or recon- <br />struction will clearly affect the economic factors. <br />The existence of a state or federal dam safety report <br />would be helpful here also if available. <br /> <br />The next step is to estimate project costs. The cost <br />curves and data presented in Exhibits 1 and 2 on the <br />following two pages may be helpful in estimating the <br />cost of your project. They are taken from a recent <br />publication by the Corps of Engineers titled "Feasi- <br />bility Studies for Small Hydropower Additions -A <br />Guide Manual," dated July 1979. Read the "fine print" <br />carefully. Such curves and cost data can be misused <br />easily. <br /> <br />The final step is to calculate power and energy bene- <br />fits and determine economic feasibility using any of <br />the accepted methods of analyzing time streams of <br />benefits and costs: net present worth, benefit-cost <br />ration, internal rate of return, etc. <br /> <br />Feasibility Study <br /> <br />If the results of the prefeasibility assessment are <br />favorable, the technical, economic, and environmental <br />factors are then addressed at the feasibility study <br />stage. The purpose of a feasibility study is to identify <br />and formulate the most attractive hydropower <br />development for the site and to determine whether it <br />merits an investment commitment. <br /> <br />23 <br />