Mitigating the Greenhouse Gas Footprint of Hydropower via Floating Solar Photovoltaic Integration: A Modeling and Predictive Analysis Study

Author

Areefin Ul Hassan Chowdhury, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

7-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mathematics

First Advisor

Hansapani Rodrigo

Second Advisor

Rafael M. Almeida

Third Advisor

George Yanev

Abstract

Hydropower is typically considered a low-carbon energy source; however, some hydropower facilities exhibit high greenhouse gas (GHG) intensities due to emissions from their reservoirs. This study evaluates the potential for offsetting GHG intensities by integrating floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) with reservoir-based hydropower. Our assessment indicates that technically feasible FPV–hydropower integrations could enable over 50% of the world’s GHG-intensive hydropower plants to achieve low-GHG energy benchmarks, with significant implications for both hydropower management and climate change mitigation. To support this analysis, we conducted clustering analysis to investigate the potential for reservoir segmentation. Following this, we applied various regression methods to predict the percentage reduction in carbon emissions achieved through interventions. These methodologies aimed to determine if accurate predictions could be made based on the given variables. The combination of clustering and regression analyses provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the potential for reducing GHG emissions in hydropower facilities through innovative FPV integrations and targeted interventions.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Areefin-Ul-Hassan Chowdhury. https://proquest.com/docview/3116184189

Recommended Citation

Chowdhury, Areefin Ul Hassan, "Mitigating the Greenhouse Gas Footprint of Hydropower via Floating Solar Photovoltaic Integration: A Modeling and Predictive Analysis Study" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1586.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1586