This report estimates the potential annual energy production by an in-pipe hydro plant on the island of La Palma, Spain. The Caldereta reservoir and its connected pipelines are considered for the plant's location. The expected energy production is calculated based on modelling work.
The island transition team selected the Caldereta reservoir in the southern region of La Palma, Fuencaliente, for this study. Two pipelines, one downstream and one upstream, are of interest and connected to the Caldereta reservoir. This site was proposed due to its promising flow rate, height difference, and other external factors.
The results from the energy yield modelling show that for the downstream turbine, the highest energy yield is achieved by a turbine with a nominal flow of approximately 150 to 175 l/s, at an average annual energy yield of roughly 317 (± 25%) MWh/year. For the upstream turbine, an average annual energy yield between 150 and 590 (± 25%) MWh/year is found for a turbine with a nominal flow of 106 l/s.