course-details-portlet

TVM5135

Planning of Hydropower

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Written examination and work

About

About the course

Course content

Organization and management of hydropower studies, planning and optimization of dams, reservoirs, hydropower and water resources projects, including small scale hydropower development. Hydropower's role in the energy supply. Siting of intakes and power stations, planning waterways and penstocks. Underground hydropower technology. Social and Environmental Impacts of Hydropower.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The student will have knowledge of:

  • The role of hydropower in the energy supply
  • The construction of various types of hydropower plants
  • The different components of a hydropower system and the interaction between these.
  • Economical and financial analysis of hydropower projects
  • How to optimize a hydropower system and environmental and social impact considerations.
  • The planning process for hydropower projects

Skills

Students will be able to:

  • Conduct a pre-feasibility study for a hydropower plant
  • Evaluate economic and financial aspects and risk of a hydropower project in relation to demand and environmental aspects
  • Understand, optimize and design components of a hydropower system in regard to production, cost, income and safety.

General competence

Students will be able to:

  • Be part of and lead a hydropower development project
  • Be part of and in charge of hydropower operation team
  • Conduct a feasibility study of a hydropower project
  • Compare different options for development and rank them according to the economic and environmental criteria.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and project work in groups. Project work and lectures assumes prior knowledge from the courses listed in recommended previous knowledge. 10 exercises.

Compulsory assignments

  • Hydropower Reconnaissance studies
  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

The exam accounts for 75 % of the grade and project work in groups account for 25 %. A letter grade is given for each part of the assessment and both parts need a passing grade in order to pass the course. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

10 exercises must be approved in order to attend the exam.

Course materials

Books from the series "Hydropower Development" and supplementary lecture notes (English).

Subject areas

  • Hydraulic Engineering
  • Investment and Cost Analyses
  • Rock Mechanics
  • Building and Construction Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Rock Engineering
  • Natural Resources Management
  • Construction Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • Environmental Impact Analysis
  • Electrical Power Engineering
  • Geology
  • Hydraulics
  • Environmental Science
  • Economics
  • Hydropower

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Written examination and work
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Work
Weighting 25/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
School exam
Weighting 75/100 Examination aids Code G Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.

Re-sit examination - Summer 2026

School exam
Weighting 75/100 Examination aids Code G Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.