Hydropower

Water is currently the leading renewable energy source used to generate electric power in the United States. Hydroelectric power or hydropower is using water to power machinery or to make electricity. It is considered renewable because it uses a fuel – water – that is not reduced or used up in the process.

There are several types of hydroelectric facilities; they are all powered by the kinetic energy of flowing water as it moves downstream. Turbines and generators convert the energy into electricity, which is then fed into the electrical grid to be used in homes, businesses, and by industry.

While some view hydropower as a "clean energy" it remains highly controversial because of its effects on the environment and wildlife. Dams that are constructed incorrectly or left to run by antiquated means can potentially cause major problems leading to species endangerment and even extinction.

Fish are especially affected by dams and hydro plants. They can become disoriented and unable to migrate in reservoirs and are affected by considerable temperature fluctuations and turbines from the plants. When organic materials build up behind a dam and start to decompose, they consume the limited oxygen, depleting the oxygen supply for fish. The decomposition can also foster algal growth. These depleted areas have become known as dead zones; areas that are unable to support river life.

It is also very common that silt, debris and nutrients become trapped behind the dam. This denies downstream species and ecosystems beneficial nutrients necessary to prosper and creates a problem for future generations to deal with the issue of the build-up. If left unattended, the silt and debris can cause the plant to become inoperable. Future generations would then need to decide either to remove the dam or risk a catastrophic mudflow.

There are also many problems related to methane and carbon release with flooding and stagnant water as well as erosion, unnatural fluctuation in water levels and the drastic change of an aesthetically appealing environment.

Although there are many drawbacks, there are some benefits to consider with hydropower. As an energy source it is cheap and creates relatively little air pollution and limited thermal pollution compared with fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

It is important to work with existing dams. Government regulations and license renewal procedures need to be considered and possibly adjusted to promote better conservation practices by the dam operators. Important objectives to promote are improvement of facilities and operations as well as bringing plants up to modern standards. Basic facility changes include:

  • Changing the timing of power generation and water release to more closely mimic a river's natural ebb and flow.
  • Stabilizing reservoirs and water release to protect lake shorelines and riverbanks from erosion.
  • Incorporating fish ladders and other safe methods of passage for fish to ensure their survival as a species.
  • Replace antiquated turbines and generators for better efficiency.
  • Restore the appropriate habitat for fish and other wildlife as well as monitor the temperature and oxygen levels of the water.
  • Encourage appropriate recreation and maintain public access.

Quick Facts

  • Hydropower represents between 7-12 percent of energy used in the United States.
  • Hydropower turbines can convert more than 90 percent of available energy into electricity, making it more efficient than any other available form of energy.
  • Nearly every state has undeveloped hydropower potential, making the total undeveloped capacity for the United States around 30,000 megawatts.
  • States with over 2,000 megawatts of undeveloped hydropower and with the most potential are California, Washington, Tennessee, Oregon, and Alaska.

Sample Legislation

Iowa House File 192 directs the Office of Energy Independence to conduct a feasibility study regarding the establishment of low head hydropower energy production facilities.

Oklahoma Senate Bill 127 creates the Taskforce on Oklahoma Hydropower to study the economic and environmental impact hydropower has in the state and to analyze the comparative value of the beneficial use of water for generation of electricity versus other beneficial uses.
 
 

Research and Development

Hydropower has an important place in the stability and reliability of the energy sector. To help the United States meet its energy needs, the Department of Energy has restructured its research and development around two areas:

  • Enhancing the viability of hydropower — developing new, cost-effective, advanced technologies that will have enhanced environmental performance and greater energy efficiencies. When implemented, these technologies will enable a 10 percent growth in hydropower generation at existing plants.
  • Expanding the application of hydropower – providing supporting research in power systems integration, resource assessment, innovative technology characterization, valuation and performance metrics, industry support, and technology acceptance.
     

Additional Resources

http://www.eere.energy.gov/

http://www.eia.doe.gov/

http://hydropower.id.doe.gov/index.shtml

http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/hydroelectric.html

http://www.dameffects.org/

http://www.energy-consumers-edge.com/hydropower_dams_pros_and_cons.html
 
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