We're all aware of the gradual shift to distributed generation and the strains it can put on a distribution system. Utilities in sunny regions already have to worry about the proliferation of rooftop solar. The low, low price of natural gas means we're also likely to see gas-fired microturbines regain popularity. Some places are seeing backup diesel generators being hooked up to the grid as peak time resources.

Now a Portland, Oregon-based startup is adding a new form of distributed generation to the list -- "in-pipe hydropower" (which you can read more about in the press release on page 2). Anyone with a big pipe -- a water utility, a wastewater facility, an industrial facility, an irrigation system -- can install a system from Lucid Energy to generate electric power from the movement of the water.

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“The LucidPipe in-pipe hydropower system is one of the most exciting new renewable energy technologies we’ve seen in years,” said Lee Odell, vice president and water treatment global technology lead for CH2M Hill.

“The nexus of energy and water is very important to the ongoing security of any economy in the world. Lucid Energy has been developing and testing the LucidPipe Power System since 2007 and we are excited by the market’s interest in producing energy from a natural source of energy embedded in their water infrastructure,” said Gregg Semler, president and CEO of Lucid Energy. “It’s amazing to see how large infrastructure companies like our partners at CH2M Hill, Siemens, Honeywell and Johnson Controls are taking their expertise in energy infrastructure and focusing on the water sector.”

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