Each month Tim Stark introduces a new technical topic for discussion and possible action. This month’s topic is: “Use of Geomembranes and Geosynthetics in Energy Applications”. This topic generated significant discussion with the main “take-aways” being listed below:

1.       Use of Geomembranes and Geosynthetics in Energy Applications

Hydropower

Solar Power – white reflective geomembranes below solar panels increase solar capture

o   San Antonio Landfill – fPP-R cap and acres of solar panels – TVA 300 acres site

o   Closure turf – solar panels on artificial turf instead of on the ground – sure grip geomembrane from AGRU holds panels inplace

o   Solar panels on rails so they can be placed on 3:1 slopes – flat panels only on crest - https://watershedgeo.com/products/powercap/

Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) projects –

o   Use geomembrane for bottom liner system but flow velocities are difficult

o   Use floating cover to reduce evaporation

o   Mt. Elbert PSH project = bottom liner system with18” soil cover to project geomembrane from high flow velocities– 240 acres – installedin 1980 - chlorinated polyethylene (CSPE) geomembrane

o   Traditional pumped storage liner system =asphalt and concrete

o   Research topic – conduct 40-year costanalysis for Mt. Elbert PSH project – initial cost v. decrease loss of water &no seepage into old landslide in hillside b/c of slope instability concerns

o   Forebay/water conveyance projects – typically use asphalt or concrete liner system, which will eventually crack and leak –geomembrane installed to replace cracked compacted clay liner

Gas collection in landfills – near surface gas collection to capture methane

Coalfired powerplants – bottom liner systems – single composite bottom liner system– GM & clay

Oil and gas applications – geomembranes

Secondary containment – oil and gas

Wind Power = application uncertain for geosynthetics

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