Course content

Impacts from hydropower on water level and discharge conditions. Physical and environmental effects of hydropower constructions. Impact assessment strategies and mitigation measures. The EIA process. IHA guidelines for sustainable hydropower. Social impacts of hydropower and social impact assessment. The SIA process.

Learning outcome

The course should give the students a thorough understanding on impacts from hydropower on the hydrology of the river system, and a basic understanding on the environmental impacts from this. The students should have knowledge of assessment methods and common mitigation measures. The course should introduce the SIA and EIA processes and the most important guidelines and methods.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars. Exercises and project work to illustrate the methods and assessment strategies. A number of exercises must be passed before the exam. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The course requires basic knowledge on hydropower systems.

Course materials

E. Helland-Hansen, T. Holtedahl and K.A. Lye: Environmental Effects, update 2005. Hydropower Development Series volume 3. NTNU.
Selected articles and book chapters.