Cadens is currently testing full scale 3D printed composite turbine systems at our ultra-low head AM test bed in southeast WI. Design-to-AM production parts and tooling are clearly the enabler for the radical reduction in costs to build micro-to-small hydropower systems. With Cadens expected trajectory, the impact will be significant for the hydropower industry by addressing both ends of the LCOE: reducing the high CAPEX of small hydro systems and increasing annual energy production.
Utility-scale solar is an intermittent source of low-cost, clean renewable energy being rapidly deployed across the U.S. and off-shore wind will soon produce 12-15 MW of power per turbine. Combined with on-demand and base-load small hydro and geothermal sources, a low-carbon, environmental and economical distributed energy resources future is in sight.