Units / RSE3241
RSE3241 · Hydropower
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit covers all aspects of hydropower, including the fundamental physics behind energy storage in potential energy, the design and construction of hydropower systems and the operation of hydropower stations and their influence on the integrated electrical system. You will gain an appreciation of the principles, history and significance of hydropower within the national electricity market (NEM). You will learn to evaluate components and describe the process of designing and constructing hydropower stations, assess environmental values, impacts and management in hydropower projects and develop comprehensive environmental management strategies (EMS) for the lifecycle of hydropower projects. The unit places particular emphasis on the current trend towards pumped hydro energy storage (PHES), reflecting the latest industry trends and technological advancements.
Areas of study: Minor: Renewable energy engineering
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assignment 1 - Detailed design and energy calculations | Written | 30% | — |
| 2 | Assignment 2 - Hydropower market analysis and principles | Written | 10% | — |
| 3 | Project | Project | 40% | — |
| 4 | Presentation | Presentation | 20% | — |
Continuous assessment: 100%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prerequisite
- ENG2005 — Advanced engineering mathematics
Learning outcomes
- Appreciate the principles, history and significance of hydropower in the national electricity market (NEM).
- Evaluate components and describe the process of designing and constructing a hydropower station.
- Assess environmental values, impacts and management in hydropower projects.
- Design and construct a hydropower station, with a focus on pumped hydro energy storage (PHES).
- Develop an environmental management strategy (EMS) for the lifecycle of hydropower projects.
Workload
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Practical activities | 24 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
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