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
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.
@MLClark @corlin @TrueBloodNet
I still believe nuclear is a great alternative
@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. 🤞🏻)
@corlin @MLClark But the crisis isn't just energy related. We have to restore the ecosystems to increase atmospheric CO2 removal. Beaver dams, for instance, foster trees and other vegetation which sequester CO2 and keep fresh water on land.
I agree it's complicated. Heck big dams also contribute to earthquakes.
@corlin @TrueBloodNet
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!)