Is small-scale hydropower energy recovery a viable alternative for climate change mitigation and adaptation? The case of the traditional irrigation system in Valencia (Spain)

Abstract

[EN] In the current scenario of climate emergency and energy transition, leveraging knowledge from interdisciplinary fields like the food-water-energy nexus is crucial. Traditional irrigation canals, an integral part of agricultural sustainability, offer untapped potential for small-scale hydropower, providing a decentralized and reliable electricity source. This study estimates the potential for small-scale hydropower production in a medium-scale irrigation system in the Valencia province (Spain). Relevant parameters obtained from local sources (head, water flow, irrigation regimes, etc.) were analysed to select the most appropriate turbine. A total of 8 mills were considered for this branch of the irrigation network. Potential power installable and energy production were estimated using 30 years of historical water flow data from in situ measurements. A maximum of 750 MWh/year for the highest head mill was calculated for the year with the highest water flow (2010). For the same year, the total production for all mills together reached nearly 5 GWh/year. These results are consistent with similar case studies in the literature and highlight the untapped capacity of the irrigation network for potential future practical projects. Discussions on the application of the energy produced consider two scenarios: electricity self-consumption and sale to the grid, and hydrogen production for local industrial use. Both scenarios show significant benefits (economic and energy) for the potential installation of hydropower systems. The mitigation potential, particularly for hydrogen production, is shown to depend on the national electricity mix. Opportunities and limitations are considered, highlighting the policy context and the need for further research on economic viability, life cycle assessments, and future climate projections. This work supports decentralized energy models aligned with the EU¿s carbon neutrality goals and emphasizes the significant potential for micro-hydro installations in irrigation canals as part of a sustainable energy mix.