The Cost Analysis of Hydropower Options at Non-Powered Dams (2014), prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy, evaluates the economic potential of adding power generation to existing dams that currently lack electricity infrastructure. The study assesses various technology configurations, capacity ranges, and site conditions to estimate capital, operation, and maintenance costs. It finds that developing hydropower at non-powered dams can be a cost-effective and low-impact way to expand renewable energy, as existing infrastructure reduces construction and environmental costs. However, feasibility depends on site-specific factors such as flow, head, and grid access. The report emphasizes standardized cost modelling and screening tools to identify viable projects and support investment decisions, highlighting non-powered dams as a significant untapped resource for clean energy generation.
