Hydropower: Time for a Small Makeover

Abstract

Over the last several years, hydropower has supplied between 6 and 8 percent of the electricity consumed in the United States.2 It is the most abundant, most efficient, and least expensive source of renewable electricity generation on earth.3 Yet, when most people think of hydropower they think of huge dams, dead fish, and a destroyed environment. Unfortunately, this perception has on too many occasions been a reality.4 Hydropower needs a new PR department. It is time for a makeover. To embrace the full potential of sustainable hydropower, investors and regulatory agencies must look to develop small, localized facilities on existing infrastructure. Unlike large conventional hydropower, small and low flow hydropower facilities require less water flow and can be placed in conduits, canals, locks, and other areas that are less affected by climate change decreases in river levels.5 The environmental impact of small hydropower is generally minimal.6 It diverts less water, and does not require creation of dams and reservoirs.! Furthermore, small hydropower can be developed near populated areas, especially if located on existing infrastructure, which makes it a valuable distributed generation energy source. This Article will discuss some of the advantages of distributed generation over centralized generation. Distributed generation is generally cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly because it takes up very little space and requires little to no construction of transmission and distribution systems.8 It is also less susceptible to blackout and damage as a result of storms, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to a changing