The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1929.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1929.

Tlil«) PRODUCTION OF POWER. An interesting discussion lias recently been proceeding in the United States concerning the relative efficiency of hydro-electric and steam plants for the production of power. The present position is very different from what it was when hydro-electric plants first came into vogue. Goal-fifed steaim plants for many years had the field to themselves ilnit the development of water power has compelled the adoption of more efficient steam engines. It is significant that, even in parts of the United States that are naturally suited for the generation of hydro-elec-tric power, engineers have heel) turning to steam as the main source of electric light and power. It is estimated that the streams and rivers of (ne United States are capable of producing 55 million horsepower in the aggregate. S'o Inr the development lias been limited to 12 million horse-

power. In South California the Edison Company has nut in service over A A),000 -1 10 iv.e-power bv steam plants since 1324. 'Cue amount now generated by this company is o88,(X.O horsepower hydro-electrically and o50,(K)0 horse-power from steam plants. There are many reasons lor tins partial return to steam plants. As we are discovering' in New Zealand, says the Otago Times, the exploitation of hydroelectric resources is .attended with difficulties, The amount of water, available must, be predetermined carefully by tlie observation of variations of How over a considerable period. The uniform flow of Niagara is its great advantage. The period of construction of <i hydroelectric plant is usually two or three times as long as that for a steam plant of similar power. It is possible in the United States to construct a steam plant of 106,030 horsepower in less than a year, while the construction of a similar hydro-elec-tric plant occupies two or three years. Long rock tunnels cannot be constructed expeditiously, neither can .hig,n dams, especially when it is difficult to obtain good foundations. All this means that a considerable capital must ~e tied up without any prospect of an early return. The amount of capital required for a hydro-electric plant is much greater than is necessary for a steam plant of equal capacity. Then there is the great cost of long transmission of a high voltage current from the power station to the centres of population as well as the cost of transformation and distribution. The original investment may be out of proportion td the available market for electricity produced. Moreover, it is inucn easier to find a suitable site for a steam plant than one for a hydroelectric plant; the steam plant can .usually be placed nearer the load centre. The real crux of the matter is, however, the vast improvement during the last 20 years in the equipment of steam plants. The increasing efficiency of these plants has now made it necessary in the United States that any proposal for hydro-electric development should receive the most careful consideration before it is adopted.