Hydropower Cost Estimation Calculator

Power Capacity (kW): Head (meters):

Flow Rate (m³/s): Location Factor (1-2):

The Cost Estimation Calculator uses simplified cost models:

Capital Cost ($ C_c $) = $ K \times P \times L_f $
Annual Maintenance Cost ($ C_m $) = $ 0.02 \times C_c $
Where:
- $ K $ = Cost factor (approx. $2000/kW, varies by region)
- $ P $ = Power capacity (kW)
- $ L_f $ = Location factor (1-2, adjusts for labor/material costs)

Enter the power capacity (in kW) in the “Power Capacity” field.
Enter the head (in meters) in the “Head” field.
Enter the flow rate (in m³/s) in the “Flow Rate” field.
Enter the location factor (1-2) in the “Location Factor” field.
Optionally, click an adjust button to set typical values (e.g., Small Capacity).
Click “Calculate Cost” to see the estimated costs.
Scroll to the “Results” section for details.

Example 1: Power = 500kW, Head = 50m, Flow Rate = 0.5 m³/s, Location Factor = 1.2
Capital Cost ≈ 2000 × 500 × 1.2 = $1,200,000; Maintenance ≈ 0.02 × 1,200,000 = $24,000/year
Example 2: Power = 1000kW, Head = 20m, Flow Rate = 2 m³/s, Location Factor = 1.5
Capital Cost ≈ 2000 × 1000 × 1.5 = $3,000,000; Maintenance ≈ 0.02 × 3,000,000 = $60,000/year
Example 3: Power = 200kW, Head = 100m, Flow Rate = 0.2 m³/s, Location Factor = 1
Capital Cost ≈ 2000 × 200 × 1 = $400,000; Maintenance ≈ 0.02 × 400,000 = $8,000/year