Resources

Abstract: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from reservoirs have most often been evaluated on a global extent through areal scaling or linear-regression models. These models typically rely on a limited number of characteristics such as age, size, and average temperature to estimate per reservoir or areal flux. Such approaches may not be sufficient for describing conditions […]

Abstract: In the transition to low-carbon electricity, well-quantified estimates of carbon dynamics are needed to ensure that emissions reduction targets are achieved. We review the state of the science on carbon accounting for hydropower reservoirs and identify limitations and future solutions. Nearly all research on reservoir greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions has focused on individual reservoirs in isolation […]

Abstract: Inland waters serve as important hydrological connections between the terrestrial landscape and oceans but are often overlooked in global carbon (C) budgets and Earth System Models. Terrestrially derived C entering inland waters from the watershed can be transported to oceans but over 83% is either buried in sediments or emitted to the atmosphere before reaching […]

Read the HRC's position statement on hydropower-caused greenhouse gas emissions, including our policy objectives.

This sample study request proposes an assessment of the net greenhouse gas emissions from a hydropower project. It contains the scientific background and legal background for the request, including sections on goals and objectives, public interest considerations, existing information/need for additional information, project nexus, methodology, and level of cost and effort.

This is a comprehensive guide for dam owners and practitioners on removing hydropower dams regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Removing dams is a common practice and a good option for dam owners or licensees who determine that the expense of ownership is too great relative to the benefits provided by their dams.

Highlights Examined value of hydropower flow flexibility using a two-stage optimization method. Revenue is more sensitive to ramping constraints than minimum flow constraints. Demonstrated the impacts of hydropower plant configuration changes on revenue. Evaluated instream flow forecasting method to understand revenue difference. Abstract Timing of generation is becoming more and more valuable. This creates greater […]

Read this factsheet to learn more about where emissions at hydropower dams come from, how bad it is, and what we can do about it.

Executive Summary Both R. L. Harris and Weiss reservoirs are sources of greenhouse gasses. At Weiss Reservoir, greenhouse gas emissions attributed to hydroelectric generation were 5 times greater than the proposed Clean Energy threshold. Emissions at Weiss Reservoir were comparable to the 2020 average of emission intensity from Southern Company electric utility plants in Alabama using coal […]

The four Lower Snake River dams, reservoirs, and their hydropower systems (“LSR dams”) – Lower Granite, Little Goose, Lower Monumental, and Ice Harbor – in the state of Washington have been at the center of national controversy in recent months. Because the dams block the passage of native salmon, a decades-long interest has come to […]