Whatever the use, hydropower has great appeal because it merely uses the water literally as it is passing through. Flowing water turns turbines to generate electricity, but all of it continutes through, albeit slowed, and can then be put to whatever other use.
Hydropower potential remains huge. A study by the National Hydropower Association projects that the US hydropower industry will add 60,000MW of capacity by 2025, enough to power 17,000,000 homes. It will also create 700,000 new jobs.
"Hydropower offers tremendous potential for America to double its renewable energy production, provide reliable electricity for American families, and create thousands of new jobs," said NHA President Andrew Munro of Washington State's Grant County PUD.
Hydropower has significant impact on the United States economy, producing about 7% of the nation's electricity, more than any other renewable source. Here in Washington State we get almost 70% of our electricity from hydropower. US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu observed that hydropower offers "an incredible opportunity" to help solve simultaneously the nation's energy, economic and environmental needs.
Worried about fish impacts? Don't be.
This blog post is part of Blog Action Day 2010 by more than 5,000 blogs in 140 countries.
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