#Energy

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

@corlin

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.

@MLClark @TrueBloodNet

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.

@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!)