(APN) US TO INCREASE HYDROPOWER ENERGY GENERATION

The Emsworth Dam and Lock are seen on the Ohio River in Emsworth, Pa., April 9, 2021. As the U.S. pushes to transition to low-carbon energy, some hydropower companies see an opportunity to expand hydropower generation at existing dams while minimizing environmental harms. It reflects a surprising alliance that has emerged between the industry and conservation groups. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — In southwestern Pennsylvania, eight locks and dams that for decades helped barges move goods along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers will in a few years also generate enough power for 75,000 homes.

Rye Development, a Boston-based hydropower company, is retrofitting the dams with turbines to generate electricity and says the upgraded structures will limit damage to the rivers’ water quality and fish.

The project reflects a recent thawing between the industry and conservation groups, which had long opposed dams that can prevent fish migration, alter water temperatures and cause other environmental problems. As the U.S. pushes to transition to low-carbon energy, Rye is among the companies that sees an opportunity to expand hydropower production at existing dams while working to minimize environmental harms.

The recent compromises between the industry and environmental groups are reflected in President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law, which puts $2.5 billion toward projects including dam removals as well as upgrades at existing structures for hydropower and energy storage.

“We do recognize that (hydropower) is probably going to play some role in the transition. It’s certainly better than coal,” said Ted Illston of American Rivers, which has advocated for dam removals on environmental grounds.

Hydropower, which uses flowing water to spin turbines connected to generators, is the oldest and second-largest renewable energy source in the U.S. after wind power. In 2020, it accounted for roughly 7% of the electricity generated in the country.

The industry hasn’t received as much federal funding and tax incentives as wind and solar, but sees room for growth. Of the 90,000 dams in the country, about 2,500 produce power. Non-powered dams could produce enough power for 9 to 12 million homes, according to an estimate by the Electric Power Supply Association based on federal data from 2012. AP News - link - Suman Naishadham - link - more like this (USA) - link - more like this (hydro) - link

(BLO) US HYDROPOWER DRYING UP

St. Louis (AP) -- After water levels at a California dam fell to historic lows this summer, the main hydropower plant it feeds was shut down.

At the Hoover Dam in Nevada — one of the country’s biggest hydropower generators — production is down by 25%. If extreme drought persists, federal officials say a dam in Arizona could stop producing electricity in coming years.

Severe drought across the West drained reservoirs this year, slashing hydropower production and further stressing the region’s power grids. And as extreme weather becomes more common with climate change, grid operators are adapting to swings in hydropower generation.

“The challenge is finding the right resource, or mix of resources, that can provide the same energy and power outputs as hydro,” said Lindsay Buckley, a spokesperson for the California Energy Commission.

U.S. hydropower generation is expected to decline 14% this year compared with 2020, according to a recent federal forecast. The projected drops are concentrated in Western states that rely more heavily on hydropower, with California’s production expected to fall by nearly half - Bloomberg - link - Associated Press - link - Michael Phillis - link - more like this - link - more like this (California) - link

(SKY) WORLD'S LONGEST UNDER-SEA CABLES - ON

Underwater electricity cables will allow Britain to share clean energy with Norway. Pic: National Grid

The World's longest under-sea power cables have been switched on - and they're bringing hydropower from Norway.

It's estimated that the interconnector will lower the UK's carbon emissions by 23 million tonnes between now and 2030 as it reduces the need to resort to fossil fuel power stations when the output drops from wind and solar farms.

The world's longest under-sea power cables, stretching from Norway to Northumberland, should reduce the UK's carbon emissions as well as customer bills, according to experts.

The 450-mile-long North Sea Link connects the UK to Norway's power grid, which is almost entirely sourced from clean hydro-electricity.

From today, two parallel cables will carry 1,400 megawatts - enough electricity to power 1.4 million UK households.

Sky News was given exclusive access to the site where the interconnector starts its journey at Norway's largest hydropower station in Kvilldal, a tiny village north of Stavanger.

In a helicopter we flew above the route of the high-voltage cables as they snake through valleys, pass through mountains and plunge up to 600 metres beneath lakes and fjords, out towards the open sea.

They come ashore in the UK near Blyth - Sky News - link - Thomas Moore - link - more like this - link