Influence of changing flow regime by forestry management scenario on introduction of hydropower generation

Abstract

 Hydropower generation has a large introduction cost compared with other renewable energy, but stable power supply can be expected. Since hydropower generation facilities are generally located in mountain forest areas, the introduction in forestry area is also assumed. In recent years, however, there are forestry areas where devastation is progressing due to sluggish wood cost and aging of forestry workers. In this study, we assumed the introduction of hydropower in the forestry area and analyzed the influence of forest phase change by forestry operating system on the flow regime, and evaluated the influence on generated electric energy and unit price of electricity generation. In addition to a slight increase in the amount of electricity generated by the forestry management scenario which carries out aggressive afforestation and logging, the forest road will be appropriately developed, which is considered to be indirectly useful for maintenance of hydropower generation facilities.