2010/02 HYDRO: Both victim and perpetrator of climate change

FINDINGS

OVERVIEW

While Hydro only accounted for less than 2% of total energy coverage in the Open Intelligence clipbase, the focus was both surprising and significant. The main issues of concern were 1) depletion of supply because of drought and 2) high CO2 and methane emissions from dams. Such a low percentage of clips about such significant issues indicates a lack public awareness of their importance.

SUPPLY

Depletion (3)

As drought conditions increase, the water levels behind dams are reported decreasing at accelerating rates, increasingly threatening generation capacity.

CONSEQUENCES

Environment (5)

In addition to flooding whole carbon sequestering ecosystems, research is cited which indicates that hydro dams “spew” methane and carbon dioxide from the rotting of drowned trees, vegetation and soil.

Society (1)

Local people’s livelihoods are reported threatened by large Hydro projects. “Here in the forest we don’t need electricity. We need fish, water and land.” Comment: It would not be the first time. (JW)

TAG TOPIC

Opportunities (1)

Research is reported into tapping methane being emitted by Hydro projects as a new energy source.

INFERENCES

1)     Contrary to the conventional wisdom, Hydro power is counter productive as part of a policy for reducing emissions of green house gases.

2)     The huge green house gas emissions of countries, such as Canada and Brazil, who have invested most in giant hydro-electric projects in James Bay and the Amazon are NOT liable to have been counted in global green house gas emissions statistics.

3)     As drought conditions worsen, relying Hydro power supply becomes increasingly risky. Costs of decommissioning will need to be assessed.

QUESTIONS ARISING

1)    How long does it take for emissions of CO2 and methane to diminish as more and more of the drowned organic material decomposes?

2)    Historically, what is the quantity of CO2 and methane emissions from hydro-electric sources not counted in current global statistics?