Utilizing the hydropower of rivers in the mining zone to advance hydropower engineering in Chelyabinsk region

The hydropower resources of Chelyabinsk Region are estimated at 0.26 million kWh, and the technical hydropower potential is about 0.94 billion kWh. However, the existence of programs for the development of hydropower, favorable conditions for electricity generation, and the feasibility studies of hydropower projects have all so far failed to improve the local hydropower industry. The ever-worsening power imbalance in Chelyabinsk Region calls for more research on the issue. A new program for the advancement of hydropower will help tackle energy shortages and be an important milestone of Russian research in the field of hydropower in the international context of transition to renewable energy. The region’s hydropower potential is mainly contained in its mining zone, studies have shown. Therefore, the rivers of this zone arguable form a strong foundation for the development of hydropower. The authors hereof do not agree with the common opinion that hydraulic structures may not be placed in mountain regions. While not denying the presence of environmental and technical limitations in such areas, we focus on the fact that they are not critical and can be addressed by taking reasonable tradeoffs, including optimal placement of HPP hydraulics. The goal hereof is to show the importance and prospects of developing the region’s hydropower by utilizing the hydropower potential of the rivers in Chelyabinsk Region’s mining zone.