Growing up near the Fort Randall Dam in rural South Dakota, I had the privilege of witnessing the benefits of hydroelectric power firsthand. Now, as I reflect on those memories and consider the technological advancements that have occurred since then, I am intrigued by the potential of hydroelectricity to address our future water and energy challenges in a sustainable manner. With the global water crisis and the impacts of climate change becoming increasingly evident, it is essential that we explore innovative solutions that can mitigate these effects while staying within our planetary boundaries.
One common misconception is that many of the 90,000 dams in the United States produce electricity. However, the reality is that most of these dams were primarily designed for irrigation and flood control purposes, with only 3% of them generating electricity. This means that there is immense untapped potential for hydroelectric power in the US to address our water and energy challenges sustainably. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that non-powered dams in the country have a hydropower capacity of 12,000 MW. Currently, hydropower accounts for 28.7% of total U.S. renewable electricity generation and about 6.2% of total U.S. electricity generation. By harnessing renewable energy sources like water, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
To tackle the impending water management dilemma, it is crucial that we engineer hydroelectric dams that can adapt to changing environments. These dams should be designed to withstand fluctuations in water levels caused by climate change, to include retreating glaciers and reductions in polar ice. Furthermore, integrating these dams into a coordinated system that maximizes water efficiency is essential. This involves harnessing the potential energy of water to generate hydroelectric power before directing it downstream, thereby reducing our reliance on fossil fuel-based power plants.
As renewable energy sources continue to expand, it becomes increasingly important to integrate different technologies to maximize efficiency and sustainability. While solar and wind power often receive more attention in the media, designing a carbon-reduced energy grid without hydroelectric power would be nearly impossible in our current system. Additionally, hydroelectric pumped storage offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option compared to traditional batteries. The manufacturing of batteries utilizes finite resources and may require more energy for recycling compared to re-engineering our dams for energy generation. By incorporating pumped storage systems into existing hydroelectric dams or new projects, we can create hybrid power plants that optimize renewable energy generation while providing reliable electricity supply during peak demand periods.
It is important to note that the proposed hydroelectric system is not a closed-loop system. While a portion of the water will be used for power generation, the remaining water will be directed to downstream end-users through water distribution infrastructure such as canals and pipelines. This ensures that the water can be utilized for human consumption and agricultural purposes.
Of course, large-scale dam projects come with their own set of climate justice considerations, environmental impacts and geopolitical challenges. One major concern is the potential disruption of natural environments due to reservoir creation through flooding. Studies have shown substantial releases of methane and carbon in the flood zones of dams, which must be considered and addressed. This potential methane release in the flood zone is a solid example of an unintended positive feedback loop these processes would need to diligently research. Maladaptation is a strong threat for hydro power and must be carefully considered and avoided. Additionally, the use of concrete and other building materials in dam construction contributes to carbon emissions that should be minimized. Moreover, conflicts with indigenous communities and tribal lands need to be handled with sensitivity and respect for the rights and interests of all stakeholders. It is crucial that decision-making processes prioritize environmental justice and equitable outcomes.
However, despite these challenges, I have faith in human ingenuity. While significant progress has been made in creating more energy-efficient and affordable turbines, there is still a need for further research and innovation to increase efficiency, minimize ecological impact, and lower the overall cost of hydroelectric power conversion or addition. Furthermore, my optimism is also fueled by the potential economic benefits. Much like my childhood memories of lower energy bills near Fort Randall Dam, hydroelectricity remains one of the lowest-cost sources of electricity worldwide, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
In conclusion, exploring the future potential of hydroelectric power presents an opportunity to address our current water and energy challenges in a sustainable manner. By designing resilient dams that consider biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience, while also minimizing environmental impacts within planetary boundaries, we can maximize the benefits of hydroelectricity. It is crucial to embrace technologies along an S curve trajectory for more efficient generation and to ensure careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable practices are implemented throughout the process. Let us embrace the undiscovered potential and growing need of hydroelectricity, while work towards a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Author: Sara Nolan, Student of MBA Sustainability Management Class 1 (2023-2025)