Project Purpose

The Moresby Lake Hydroelectric Project is a 6 MW facility featuring a live storage reservoir located on Haida Gwaii. The objective of this project was to compare historical plant performance to the resource potential based on historical hydrological analysis and to estimate the effect of increased the reservoir capacity on potential future expected annual revenue.

Project Scope and Methodology

1. Historical Performance Review
- Operational Data Analysis: Analyzed historical plant operation data to assess performance metrics, operational efficiency, and water management practices.
- Resource Potential Comparison: Compared actual plant performance with the resource potential derived from historical hydrological analysis.

2. Spillage and Capacity Evaluation
- Historical Spillage Review: Reviewed historical data to estimate the volume of water spilled during plant operations.
- Scenario Analysis: Modeled different scenarios to estimate what the spillage would have been with various reservoir capacities.

3. Variable Storage Analysis
- Benefit Estimation: Estimated the potential benefits of increasing the reservoir storage capacity.

4. Conclusion and Recommendations
- Adequacy of Reservoir Size: Concluded that the existing reservoir size is adequate for the local hydrological conditions.
- Demand-Limited Operations: Determined that the plant's performance is primarily limited by demand rather than reservoir capacity.

Project Outcomes

• Comprehensive Performance Insights: Provided detailed insights into the operational performance and water management efficiency of the Moresby Lake Hydroelectric Project.

• Informed Decision-Making: Supported American Hydro Corporation in making informed decisions regarding potential infrastructure improvements and operational strategies.

• Validated Reservoir Capacity: Confirmed that the current reservoir capacity is appropriate for the local hydrology, ensuring efficient resource utilization.

This project delivered a thorough performance and reservoir capacity analysis, offering valuable insights for optimizing the Moresby Lake Hydroelectric Project's operations and infrastructure.