A MINI-HYDRO POWER PLANT TO SUPPORT THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE URBAN WATER-ENERGY NEXUS

Abstract

The increasing demand for energy and water in urban areas presents a critical challenge for sustainable development. The integration of renewable energy sources, particularly mini hydropower plants, offers a promising solution to enhance the urban water-energy nexus. It looks into the shift to an ecological and systemic approach to deal with the complexity of the urban environment and energy supply infrastructure. The study looks into the Municipality of Turin's and Piedmont Region's sustainable energy framework. It specifically examines the potential that urban rivers and streams offer for setting up mini-hydro power plants utilizing historically underutilized infrastructure. Through an analysis of existing case studies and technological advancements, environmental and economic benefits of mini hydropower are examined. The seminar also addresses the technical, regulatory, and social challenges associated with implementing mini hydropower plants in urban environments and proposes strategies to overcome these barriers. By fostering an integrated approach to water and energy management, mini hydropower plants can play a pivotal role in advancing urban sustainability and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.