Articles tagged with Hydroelectric Power
The University of Stirling has received £1.2 million to study global sustainability, with a focus on resolving conflicts between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project will use hydropower as a model system to identify and mitigate issues caused by competing objectives.
A new study reveals that dams in the upper Mekong River increase downstream nutrient bioavailability, contrary to the widespread assumption. The cascading effect of reservoirs increases hydraulic residence time and leads to a shift in phytoplankton species composition.
Researchers found that seasonal pumped hydropower storage has considerable potential for highly competitive energy storage costs, with estimated global energy storage potential of 17.3 PWh. The study also addresses environmental concerns related to traditional hydropower plants, suggesting a more sustainable solution for renewable ener...
Researchers found that within a year of a dam's opening, downstream river temperatures dropped by up to 3.6 degrees F, persisting where the rivers meet the Mekong River. The cooling effect is driven by dams releasing cold water from reservoirs during dry season.
The study maps the impact of current and future river dams on fish habitats worldwide, revealing that habitat fragmentation will increase by a quarter or more in tropical regions like the Amazon, Niger, Congo, Salween, and Mekong river basins. This will disrupt the life cycles of freshwater fish species, causing extinction risk.
A study analyzing dam impacts on freshwater fish habitats found that extant dams contribute most to habitat fragmentation in China, India, South Africa, US, and Europe. Future dams are projected to mainly affect tropical species in river basins like Amazon, Congo, Niger, Mekong, and Salween.
A new study reveals that hydropower's climate impact is not as environmentally friendly as thought, with some facilities emitting more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. However, in the long-term, hydropower has a smaller climate benefit compared to methane emissions.
Researchers propose MGES technology for long-term energy storage using mountains, filling a gap in the market for smaller locations. Sand or gravel is transported from bottom to top, storing potential energy, which can be reused and generates electricity.
Concordia research reveals climate change will boost hydropower production in Quebec and Ontario, but reduce it in the west. The study analyzed historical data from local climate stations across Canada and established robust statistical relationships with hydropower production in 10 provinces.
A computational model using AI identifies optimal hydropower dam sites in the Amazon basin to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis found that dams built at high elevations tend to have lower emissions per unit of power output.
Researchers are developing robotic fish surrogates to assess the fish-friendliness of hydroelectric power plants. The RETERO project aims to reduce and eventually eliminate live fish tests, which result in high mortality rates for fish traveling through turbines.
A new study published in Nature assesses the location and extent of the planet's remaining free-flowing rivers, finding that only 37% of the world's 246 longest rivers are still unimpeded. The researchers' global assessment highlights severe degradation and offers a method for tracking the status of free-flowing rivers over time.
A team of researchers used a simulation to project the genetic and demographic outcomes of bull trout reintroduction in Washington State, focusing on connectivity and habitat availability. The study found that sufficient gene flow and unoccupied patches are key to maintaining genetic variation and persistence.
Researcher Alex de Vries finds Bitcoin mining mechanism cannot be powered solely by renewable energy, citing variable hydroelectric production and significant electronic waste generation. Alternative 'proof-of-stake' mechanisms could reduce energy consumption by 99.99% and eliminate e-waste.
Researchers found that dammed rivers in Mexico's Pacific states experience severe coastal recession, with mangrove forests and commercial fishery habitats being particularly affected. The study highlights the need to consider the environmental and economic impacts of hydroelectric dams on entire regions.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Edson Severnini found that environmental regulations aimed at preserving ecosystems may have encouraged the substitution of dirtier fuels for hydropower in electricity generation. The study estimates that each megawatt of fossil fuel power-generating capacity added to the grid due to...
The Sensor Fish technology analyzes physical stressors experienced by fish passing through turbulent waters and turbines at hydroelectric facilities. Licensing to ATS enables dam operators and researchers to gather accurate measurements, improving sustainability.
A new study reveals that large dams in developing countries ignore climate change impacts, displacement of communities, and economic damages. The researchers argue that these effects should be factored into the total cost of hydropower projects.
A new study warns against mega-dams in lowland tropical forest regions due to their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. The Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir system in the Brazilian Amazon showed that tree communities on islands are 'unstable' and prone to extinction.
A new study from Stanford University finds that droughts cause a 10% increase in carbon dioxide emissions from power generation in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington between 2001 and 2015. Drought-induced shifts in energy sources led to an additional 100 million tons of carbon dioxide across 11 western states.
A new study by Michigan State University found that hundreds of dams planned for the Mekong River basin could disrupt the region's flood dynamics, threatening food security and ecosystem balance.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland highlights the need to revise fish stocking obligations in hydropower operations. The research emphasizes that compensating harm to fisheries with fish farming is unsustainable, and natural reproductive cycles must be prioritized.
A team of researchers identified potential decisions that maximize combined ecological and economic benefits by simulating trade-offs and using machine-learning approach. They found opportunities to improve balance between certain criteria by coordinating multiple dam decisions at larger spatial scales.
The study highlights the social and environmental costs of hydropower dams, including displacement of people and disruption of natural ecosystems. Experts propose alternative technologies like instream turbine technology to transform the hydropower sector and ensure sustainable energy.
Large dams are not sustainable due to environmental and social concerns, but in-stream turbine technology protects fish and delivers energy locally. This technology can be part of a large sustainable energy portfolio combining solar, wind, and biomass energy production.
A new study reveals that hydropower relicensing often overlooks key issues, such as restoring natural river conditions without significant economic penalties. The research highlights opportunities to reduce negative impacts while considering the carbon-emissions cost of reduced hydropower.
A multinational team led by Lehigh University's Y.C. 'Ethan' Yang develops a comprehensive model to manage the complex interplay between food, energy, and water resources. The project aims to provide a flexible framework to address supply challenges and maintain security for farmers, utilities, and households.
The construction of hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River poses significant risks to fish migration, livelihoods, and regional food security in Cambodia. The Tonle Sap Lake's unique hydrological system is strongly influenced by the Asian monsoon, which could be disrupted by changes in water levels and flows.
A study by Portland State University finds that removing dams could save up to $64 billion compared to repairing them. The research suggests that better data and analysis are needed to inform dam management decisions.
A new study warns that Mekong River dams could cause irreversible ecological damage and force the resettlement of millions of people. The dams would affect the seasonal pulse of the river, change fish diversity and abundance, and impact downstream water flows.
A recent study found that hydropower in the Mekong River Basin has median greenhouse gas emissions of 26 kg CO2e/MWh, comparable to other renewable energy sources. However, nearly 20% of hydropower reservoirs have higher emissions than fossil fuels, and social and environmental impacts must be evaluated case-by-case.
New research reveals hydropower dams significantly disturb river connectivity in the Andes Amazon, impacting migratory fish patterns and sediment flow. The study suggests that 100% of sediment will be trapped in downstream dams, altering natural river flow and regional cultural processes.
A global assessment of small hydropower dams highlights their potential for growth, but lacks scientific studies on their environmental impact. Researchers estimate that nearly 83,000 small dams are operating or under construction in 150 countries, with the number potentially tripling if all capacity were developed.
Researchers found that controlled dam pulses and flood magnitudes significantly impact fisheries. The study suggests prolonged drying followed by sudden flooding could increase fish yields by a factor of 3.7, offering a promising solution to sustainable fisheries.
Researchers have proposed a mathematical formula to balance power generation with food security and fish catch in the Mekong River basin. The algorithm recommends long low-flow periods punctuated by pulses of flooding, allowing dam operators to co-manage their priorities and protect livelihoods.
A study using American dippers found that run-of-river dams can cause a spike in methylmercury levels due to reservoir formation and temperature increases. However, no significant differences were observed between regulated and unregulated streams in terms of mercury levels.
A new University of Stirling study suggests that the environmental impact of Amazonian hydropower generation may be greater than predicted. Forest fragmentation and liana growth can lead to biodiversity and carbon losses associated with tropical hydropower, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments in dam decision-making.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded grants to support the development of new agricultural products and technologies. These grants aim to increase consumer acceptance of whole grain wheat, improve shelf life, and commercialize innovative ventures.
A lightweight power generator based on carbon nanotube fibers can convert the energy of flowing blood into electricity with high efficiency. The device, called a fiber-shaped fluidic nanogenerator (FFNG), was developed by Chinese scientists from Fudan University.
The Three Gorges Dam has altered downstream schistosomiasis rates by changing snail distribution, with human infection rates decreasing from 3.38% to 0.44%. Low water levels due to the dam have made Dongting Lake an unsuitable environment for snails.
A new study published in PNAS argues that achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies beyond wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Experts emphasize the importance of a broader approach to decarbonization, citing technical challenges and infrastructure realities.
Researchers warn that building hundreds of hydroelectric dams in the Amazon River Basin will cause massive environmental damage, affecting nine countries and the entire system. The Amazon Basin's unique ecosystem and biodiversity are at risk due to the dams' impact on sediment flow, regional climate, and food supply.
A recent MSU study examines how dams affect streams and fish populations, finding that multiple dams can have cumulative effects on ecosystems. The research identifies areas where stream habitats are degraded and provides insights for conservation and management decisions.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a previously unknown weakness in bacteria, known as an 'Achilles heel', which is a proton leak state. This discovery may lead to the development of novel antibiotics by targeting this safety valve in bacterial energy metabolism.
Research from Harvard University suggests that flooding for hydroelectric development can increase methylmercury levels in Arctic ecosystems by up to 200 percent. The study found that freshwater from melting ice mixing with salt water creates a feeding zone for plankton that accumulates mercury and magnifies its effects on the food chain.
Etienne Benson's research explores the impact of birds on the power grid in 1920s California, revealing how avian waste caused short circuits. The study highlights the importance of considering non-human actors in infrastructure systems and the need for 'insulation' and 'interconnection' strategies to mitigate nature's effects.
A new roadmap for the US aims to transform its energy infrastructure from fossil fuels to 100% renewable resources by 2050. The 50-state plan provides detailed information on how many wind turbines and solar panels would be needed, land area required, cost and job creation, to power each state.
A new study warns that climate change will significantly reduce water flows in the Volta River Basin, depriving countries of water needed to drive turbines and feed farms. The Volta Basin is expected to face severe water shortages by 2100, posing major challenges for agriculture and food security.
A Swiss study by Empa found that energy-saving lamps have a larger ecological footprint due to electronic circuitry, but recycling reduces environmental effects. The production of incandescent bulbs has a negligible impact on the environment, while usage and power source are major factors.
A biology professor at Northern Arizona University is developing ways to help rivers rebound to their natural ecosystems after dams are removed. Her team has successfully restored Fossil Creek's ecosystem, serving as a national case study in dam decommissioning.
Lake Victoria is losing water at an alarming rate due to the operation of Uganda's dams, which have released up to 55% more water than permitted. The lake is now at an 80-year low, with devastating effects on fishing communities and towns.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing water problems in the West, impacting hydroelectric power, salmon runs, and water supply deliveries. The region's water resources are already stretched to their limits, with little room for changes in current allocations.
The two new processes, RAM-DSM and RAM-TSM, provide a comprehensive approach to securing dams and transmission systems by evaluating vulnerabilities and consequences of attack. These methodologies are based on formal risk-assessment tools and techniques used by Sandia to protect U.S. nuclear weapons facilities.
Researchers at INEEL develop systems model to accurately assess greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. The model considers various factors, including energy efficiency and facility operations.
African nations can become more prosperous and politically stable by pooling their energy resources through regional electric power grids, according to Purdue University industrial engineers. Cheaper and more widely available electricity would spur industrial and economic growth in regions of southern and western Africa.
A new RFF issues brief highlights the potential impacts of climate change on water supplies, including increased precipitation, evapotranspiration, and extreme weather events. The report emphasizes the need for more efficient water management and use to mitigate these effects.
A computer-based system aims to establish a scientific basis for equitable and sustainable water resources management. The integrated decision support system uses hydrometeorological data to simulate the response of rivers and reservoirs to different climatic inputs, water and power demands, and decision policies.