Author: agmed

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US Dispatchable Clean Power Output Hit by Hydro Slump

Abstract:
Colorado witnessed a crippling drought throughout 2024, causing a drop in U.S. hydropower production; a 23-year low. However, the drop has been overshadowed by other advances in renewable energy types like nuclear, solar, and wind. Hydropower and nuclear power both have advantages because they can easily be rapidly transported up or down depending on energy needs. Yet, when these sources can’t keep up with energy demand, fossil fuels like natural gas and coal are instead being used to power homes. Hydropower is mainly concentrated into a few states: California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. Therefore, a western drought can hit hard on the U.S.’s total hydroelectric power generation.

Discussion:
The article discusses how increasing droughts and unpredictable weather patterns has led to the declining share of hydropower in energy generation. It is unfortunate that changes in weather patterns can decrease hydropower’s chance as a viable fossil fuel alternative. As climate change progresses, sporadic natural disasters and droughts will only intensify. Therefore, hydropower cannot be counted on to be a major renewable energy alternative to coal and natural gas. Going forward with this data, it may be wiser to invest more funds into newer generation nuclear power that remains largely unaffected by changing climate conditions- despite meltdown risks. Nuclear power is only getting safer and more efficient, while hydropower seems to be on the decline and riddled with controversy over ecosystem damage.

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Tribes Celebrate the End of the Largest Dam Removal Project in US History

Abstract:
In 2024, the largest dam removal project in the U.S. began. For years, indigenous tribes in the region fought to remove the dam on Klamath River. The river lies on the California-Oregon border, and resulted in environmental devastation for the surrounding ecosystems. Local tribes claimed the four dams had been damaging the salmon population, which are culturally and spiritually important to several tribes. The dam cut off the salmon from their habitat and had also lessened the water-quality, resulting in a huge reduction of the salmon population. The dams were built in 1918, and at full capacity, had produced enough electricity to power 70,000 homes; yet, that was only a small fraction of PacifiCorp’s energy. Yet, tribal leaders were persistent, and had fought passionately through drumming protests and litigation battles.

Discussion:
This article discusses the controversies surrounding certain dams and how that led to the removal of significant dams, despite power generation. Yet, it also gave the perspectives of tribal members, and the results of removing the dams; water quality improved, and the salmon population flourished. The duration at Klamath River goes to show the trade-off we must consider when implementing clean energy projects and environmental infrastructure.

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US DOE to Award Nearly $500 Million in Incentives for Power Dam Upgrades

Abstract: 

Recently, the United States has given $430 million in incentive payments for hydropower facilities that have been in operation for an average of 79 years. The money will go to 293 projects across 33 states. The Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program is an initiative funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, and aims to increase dam safety and improve grid resilience. Grid resilience is how stable and efficient a source of energy is in response to increasing demand on the grid. Hydropower is becoming an increasingly large player in renewable energy generation, making up 27% of renewable energy in the U.S. and 93% of all utility-scale energy storage. Yet, these facilities are growing older, and require new maintenance and improvement if they are to continue functioning. The money and projects will go towards funding dam safety improvements and replacing parts like turbines to make power generators more efficient and reliable during extreme weather events. 

Discussion:

While many dismiss hydroelectricity as being inefficient, unreliable, or not a very large source of power generation, the data shows otherwise. Clearly, hydroelectricity is playing an even greater role in our clean energy generation. I think this bill and fund appropriation is heading in the right direction to stabilize and keep our existing hydro plants rather than completely rebuilding infrastructure. It is much more cost-efficient to maintain and update our already working clean energy facilities than to aim to rebuild entirely new modern facility.s I think this philosophy of modification and maintenance should be applied to more areas of clean energy development if we are to preserve our funding for future generations and projects.

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Wisconsin Dams Are Failing More Frequently, a New Report Finds

Abstract:
As more storms blow through Wisconsin, more dams are experiencing issues and failure. Wisconsin has had the second highest dam failures from 2010-2023 aside from South Carolina. With 4,000 dams, Wisconsin’s hydropower is owned by a mixture of private, public, and tribal owners. According to The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ National Inventory of Dams, more than 200 of these dams have extreme hazard potential. A dam failure could cause economic loss, environmental damage, and possibly human casualties. Wisconsin has done its best to mitigate this danger, pouring $4 million from every state budget into dam safety work.

Discussion:
Even with mitigation efforts, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the growing climate disasters and electricity demand. Like we discussed in class, it is interesting to note that hydroelectricity plants actually result in more human deaths than nuclear power, showing the misguided public reputation of energy sources and a perhaps underestimation of the danger of dams. Regardless, hydropower is still a sustainable, renewable energy source that should be utilized. However, if these failures and dangers continue, how long will we hold on to the sinking ship?

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Abnormally Dry Canada Taps U.S. Energy, Reversing Usual Flow

Abstract:
This year was the first year where the United States sent more electricity to Canada than we received; Canada’s large hydroelectric dams have not been generating much electricity. Additionally, there has been more demand for electricity everywhere. Large hydroelectric plants that have historically been stable sources of electricity are now struggling with low reservoirs. For example, in California, around Hoover Dam and recently in Canada. Climate change may alter weather patterns and adversely affect the operation of hydroelectricity plants. Hydroelectricity is actually the lowest priority for water usage when there are droughts and wildfires, making water power less dependable or efficient. At the moment, California has a surplus of energy, but there aren’t enough transmission lines to carry the power elsewhere.

Discussion:
This article discusses the imbalance of energy exchange between the United States and Canada, and the difficulties of adapting dams and hydroelectricity to climate change. I think it is especially important to note how increasing climate disasters caused by climate change are taking up more and more of our resources. We are already being forced to choose short-term mitigation over long-term protection tackling the root-causes of climate change. This proves some of the many pitfalls of hydroelectric power, and the need for even more alternatives and clean energy development.

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More, better, faster: 2024 Hydro Review

Edge, G. (2024, January 4). More, better, faster: A look toward 2024. Hydro Review. https://www.hydroreview.com/world-regions/europe/more-better-faster-a-look-toward-2024/#gref

Abstract:
Even though 130+ countries agreed to tripling renewable energy generation at the 28th Climate Conference, many have yet to deliver on these commitments. Lacking global investment into renewable energy projects like hydropower, little progress is being made. However, if investors can see the long-term benefits and payoffs of hydroelectric projects, it would be easier to raise capital. By implementing more standards for energy sources, collaborating across the globe, and advocating for policies and funds, hydropower can become a leading solution.

Discussion:
This article raises an instance where environmental science and international politics intersect, and how they must work together in order to advance projects. I am apprehensive about hydropower’s future due to our current political conditions, with climate change gaining little attention despite its growing necessity and importance than ever before. The later we start building and approving projects, the later we will see payoffs or be able to use them! This article raises concern of both climate change and renewable energy investment, key subjects supported by environmental science.

 

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Do We Still Need Hydropower?

McDermott-Murphy, C. (2024, April 15). Do We Still Need Hydropower? Www.nrel.gov. https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2024/do-we-still-need-hydropower.html

Abstract:
Recently, there has been a lack of discussion and excitement over hydropower. Admittedly, hydroelectricity has had recent scandals: disrupting ecosystems, intruding on tribal land, and overall unpredictability. Many want dams removed because of the damage caused to the fish and aquatic ecosystems. Yet, researchers still say hydropower has been more predictable than solar or wind powered energy, and could provide “grid inertia” during power failures of other sources. Pumped storage -a type of hydropower- makes up 96% of the U.S. power grid: hydroelectricity is still very much relevant, active, and crucial to having reliable renewable energy. Therefore, we are working to implement other kinds of hydroelectricity much more advanced than harmful dams, that hold promising potential to combating climate change.

Discussion:
This article gives an updated, optimistic view of hydroelectric power. By discussing controversial environmental policies and recent progress in hydroelectricity, we can continue to improve renewable energy sources to be more efficient, effective, and sensitive to the community. I believe that there is a future for hydroelectric power with further research and development, with the consideration of local communities.

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When Hydropower Runs Dry

 

  1. Andreoni, M. (2024, June 4). When Hydropower Runs Dry. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/04/climate/global-hydropower-decline.html#:~:text=Hydropower%2C%20the%20biggest%20source%20of

Abstract:

Hydropower is the biggest source of renewable energy in the world. However, with a lack of rain, countries have started to use fossil fuels again to compensate. Instead of decreasing pollution, the failure of hydropower in droughts led to an extra 170 million tons of CO2. It’s possible that rain has decreased in part because of climate change, and because of the weather pattern of El Nino this year. Now, hydropower plants are becoming controversial because of the unstable rain patterns, and the potential destruction of ecosystems that the construction of them can cause within aquatic environments.   

 

Discussion:

This article shows the changing nature of how we think about clean energy, as climate change continues to alter the environment we have studied and built around. With increasing climate damage, we will need increased innovation, and more, updating studies of the environment. The controversies and, at times, failure of hydropower has shown us that we need fresh ideas and constant studying over our impact on the environment, in order to strategically prepare for the future. 

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Ecuador hit by Nationwide Blackout

León Cabrera, J. M., & Glatsky, G. (2024, June 19). Ecuador hit by Nationwide Blackout.
The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/world/americas/ecuador-nationwide-blackout.html

Abstract:
In June, Ecuador experienced an energy blackout. There had been many blackouts leading up to this, due to the lack of infrastructure and their dependence on imported energy. With help from China, Ecuador had been working on building a $2.25 billion hydroelectric power plant- but, there were many construction errors and legal issues, delaying the project. The President declared a national energy emergency, with cars, traffic lights, houses, and even the subway system failing.

Discussion:
The blackouts in Ecuador revealed how mismanagement and lack of infrastructure can contribute to a dangerous national crisis. However, this article is showing the potential disastrous effects that will continue to increase when energy projects are not prioritized, in combination with rising temperatures and droughts that have contributed to the droughts in Ecuador.

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US Keeps Hydropower with Canada on Columbia River Treaty

Johnson, G. (2024, July 12). US would keep more hydropower under agreement with canada on treaty governing columbia river. Opb; OPB. https://www.opb.org/article/2024/07/11/us-would-keep-more-hydropower-under-agreement-with-canada-on-treaty-governing-columbia-river/

Abstract:
The U.S. and Canada are updating a treaty about the use of The Columbia- one of the largest rivers in North America. With the new treaty, both countries can construct hydroelectric power plants that would use the river to generate renewable energy. The revised agreement is that the U.S. will pay Canada for more reservoir capacity to protect communities during flood seasons, which will cost $37.6 million per year. However, a lot of environmental groups are angry because the treaty could have allocated more water for the fish populations that have been damaged by dams, and wanted to add river and ecosystem health as part of the treaty. We have used Columbia through this treaty to power hydroelectricity for decades, and now need that renewable energy more than ever.

Discussion:
This article discusses the tradeoff between ecosystem preservation, environmental disaster prevention, and renewable energy investment: all relevant topics in modern environmental science. By studying the environment, we can make better informed decisions about how to maintain all of these principles. In this scenario, I believe that instead of being upset over the exclusion of fish preservation in the treaty, environmentalists should be happy because of the benefits for humans. When momentum and approval for costly environmental projects is ceding and the political prioritization of climate change continues to be questioned, it is better to remain unified. If another costly addition had been made to the expensive treaty, it would have been less likely to make the agenda. In my opinion, we must prioritize funding clean energy like hydroelectricity plants, and shift more to ecosystem preservation when these projects become active, making it easier and less costly to revive ecosystem damage.