Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity

Run-of-the-river (ROR) hydroelectricity is a type of hydroelectric generation whereby a considerably smaller water storage called pondage or none is used to supply a power station. Run-of-the-river power plants are classified as with or without pondage. A plant without pondage has no storage and is therefore subjected to seasonal river flows and serves as a peaking power plant while a plant with pondage can regulate water flow and serve either as a peaking or base load power plant.

Concept

Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity is ideal for streams or rivers with a minimum dry weather flow or those regulated by a much larger dam and reservoir upstream. A dam – smaller than used for traditional hydro – is required to ensure there is enough water to enter the “penstock” pipes that lead to the lower-elevation turbines. through a pipe and/or tunnel leading to electricity-generating turbines, then return the water back to the river downstream.<ref...
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