The Western IslesBoard

Veshkaeyu Dam, Heresrun

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Overview

Although Domanania peninsula has a few rivers flowing east and north, which seem advantageous to hydropower generation, there are significant challenges. There are high seasonal variations in the weather and most of the rainfall occurs in the summer. Installed hydropower capacity is about 4,048 MWh and annual hydropower generation is some 4.503 GWh as of 2020. This accounts for 35 TWh year round, or 17.7% of all power generation in the country.

Today, as the potential for conventional hydropower generation is almost fully exploited, With many hydropower plants in the country being built about 40 to 50 years ago and are in need of modernization work in order to improve their performance, efficiency, and output.

Starting in 1918, the Doman Water Company started building the first Hydroelectric dams in the country. By 1940, 1,000 MW was being produced by hydroelectric dams.

After the civil war ended, the new government sent out to develop energy initiatives as part of a series of 5-year plans designed to develop the economy. This included building up coal powerplants, but also developing hydroelectric power solutions. Starting in the 1970's, Hydro electric dams would be built across the country, providing water security for the drought prone country, as well as power generation.

Domanania has 15 dams of various types, with most being multi purpose (Power Generation and water control). These dams are maintained and operated by Sohae Hydro & Nuclear with oversight from the Doman Water Management Company; which regulates, develops and maintains water supplies in Domanania for public and industrial uses.

Recent governments have taken to dam renovations, due to many dams being over 40 years old, which has caused damage and efficiency concerns. Modern dam projects have also caused significant environmental damage, with large algae blooms being a problem. Many protests have occured over much needed dam renovation, or their construction. Some politicians have lobbies for the demolition of up to 12 small dams that have been neglected.

In 2024, Sohae announced that it would be installing floating solar panels in many dam reservoirs to assist with power generation for some pumped storage dams. The total generation is expected to be an additional 1,000 MWh for each dam equipped with these floating panels, though there are concerns over their feasibility in smaller dams.