Advances, Benefits of Hydro Turbine Technology, Additive Manufacturing
Boualem Hadjerioua of Mesa Associates addresses the benefits of hydro turbine technology, additive manufacturing, and low- and high-head operations.
Turbomachinery International caught up with Boualem Hadjerioua, Director of Hydro Operation at Mesa Associates, at POWERGEN 2025 to assess how hydro turbine technology can enhance U.S.-based energy grids and power production, the benefits of additive manufacturing and composite materials, challenges facing hydropower buildout, latest innovations, and more.
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, he presented Innovative Materials and Testing for Future Hydro Turbine Manufacturing. Via additive manufacturing and composite materials, Mesa aims to reduce costs, increase reliability, and extend turbine lifespan. After acquiring NuSTREEM’s low-head modular technology, the company will enhance the turbines for high-head applications.
Hadjerioua said: “There was a recent study done by the Department of Energy (DOE), assessing all 90,000 non-powered dams. The study revealed a potential 12,000-MW growth. If we powered some of [the dams], it would add flexibility to the power portfolio in the United States.”
Additionally, composite materials are a good way to “improve the hydropower industry by looking at components and making them stronger, lighter, and more efficient,” said Hadjerioua. “There’s a lot of research and development occurring, especially with Mesa Associates. We are currently involved with the DOE laboratories to improve components within the hydropower industry."
