Is hydropower aging out of the clean energy race?
The original carbon-free power source is the only renewable whose share is shrinking.
“One, there’s potential for more hydropower at existing dams. And two, there is no need to build a new dam.”
Mark Harris
https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2024/04/is-hydropower-aging-out-of-the-clean-energy-race
This excellent piece doesn't cover the African continent, where there are even more examples of how hydropower has done more bad than good in many regions.
Shifting investment to solar has been difficult, but it's necessary. The fear is that green-energy-disillusioned local populations will be more susceptible to bids for gas-fuelled revolutions in the interim, from Saudi Arabia and other Big Oil monopolies trying to wring every last bit of profit out of the region while they can.
And China as well.
Yes I agree.
But
Yes many Dams have done great harm and are and need be removed. But not all, it is a trade off. Some long existing dams can double their energy producing capacity, with almost no infrastructure costs. And we are in a crisis.
Agreed!
In many African examples, the problem stems from privatization being a key component of loan programs for development. This has led to competitive siphoning off of key resources, and extortionist user pricing.
What many African countries need is less exploitative international loans that allow for more direct nationalization of existing dam projects. (And more direct funding for public solar projects, too!)
@elmaxx @MLClark @TrueBloodNet
We Need try ALL THE THINGS !!
Relatedly:
One of the reasons China is getting such a foothold into African nations right now is that its investment model is "build foundational infrastructure first - roads, energy, social services - and then reap the benefit of African nations being able to onboard more advanced economic offerings to the network faster."
The Western model, of sticking individuals and local communities with debt via loans for basic amenities, is a huge part of the current problem.
@MLClark @corlin @TrueBloodNet
not only in Africa, but buying influence in our own yards along Latin America countries.
@elmaxx @MLClark @TrueBloodNet
Related:
#Economics
The IMF has outlived its usefulness – by about 50 years
/nosanitize
#ElPuebloUnido, parce :) We'll cut 'em off at the pass yet.
(But in all seriousness, that has been a big challenge for Petro's emphatic off-ramping of Colombia from petroleum. World Bank, IMF, and other international players want to make Colombia's willingness to reopen oil speculation and grow petroleum a key condition of ongoing loan arrangements. Eff that noise! But it does require Colombia to find alternative income schemes and loan arrangements now. 🤞🏻)
@MLClark @corlin @TrueBloodNet
I still believe nuclear is a great alternative