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MULTI-CRITERIA EVALUATION OF THE VOLGA ENERGY CASCADE
Abstract
The Volga River is essentially a cascade of reservoirs that provide hydroelectric energy. This technical solution made it possible to produce electricity for industrialization, to ensure the passage of river-sea vessels between five seas and to stop floods on the Volga River. Although often considered a green energy source, there are environmental and economic considerations that should be accounted for in a holistic and sustainable perspective, i.e. a life cycle of ca. 50 years, areal inundation by reservoir water, accumulation of toxic substances in bottom sediments, restricted riparian variability and habitats diversity along the river, algal blooming in reservoir lakes and in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, water stratification and poor oxygenation. The water quality and fish stocks of the Volga have been drastically degraded. To improve environmental conditions and support low carbon economy, we suggest transforming the existing system of hydroelectric power plants and reservoirs into a system of integrated energy complexes including pumped storage facilities, solar photovoltaic plants and existing dams. We have conducted a conceptual model analysis of the Volga River energy cascade with alternative energy production, such as smaller pump-and-store reservoirs and floating solar cells. Variables included in the model are population, integrated basin governance, water quality, water stored, agriculture and industry, economy and environmental governance. The integration of power generation plants would allow a gradual decrease in the reservoir water levels and increase current velocities, helping to decrease algal blooms the multi-criteria evaluation indicated an important role of integrated basin governance and basin environmental management.
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