Identification and Analysis of the Potential Environmental Impacts Across Installation, Operation, Maintenance, and Dismantling of a Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine

The increasing demand for energy and the continued reliance on fossil fuels pose important environmental and social challenges, particularly for rural and isolated communities in developing countries that lack reliable access to the grid. Gravitational water vortex turbines (GWVT) are a run-of-river technology for low-head and moderate-flow sites that can provide decentralized electricity without the construction of large reservoirs. The expected environmental impacts are lower; nevertheless, to increase acceptance by the community, there is a necessity to identify and analyze the potential environmental impacts of GWVT in all its life-cycle phases (installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling). The present study applies the Conesa cause–effect matrix to identify, classify, and analyze the potential environmental impacts associated with GWVT phases. Key identified impacts include removal of vegetation coverage and site disturbance (−32), sediment dynamics alterations (−39), formation of a depleted stretch (−45), accidental releases of hazardous maintenance products (−42), and remobilization of retained sediments (−46). These impacts can produce habitat alteration and fragmentation and loss of ecological connectivity. The relevant significance of energy generation that can have multiple benefits in the local communities was also identified. Primary mitigation measures include the incorporation of environmental flows in the design, sediment management, and strict protocols for hazardous materials. The findings underscore the necessity to conduct site-specific baseline surveys to preserve environmental, socio-economic, and cultural conditions in the local ecosystem and communities.