Washington in particular is disappointing because they have not been building other renewables, despite a supposedly climate-leading governor, and big electrification plans. It will be interesting to see some near-term decisions from their "siting board." There is a plan that the Biden admin seems to like to tear out a bunch of dams and build renewables to replace them, but the same tribes who want the free-flowing river seem to have problems with almost all proposed renewables. ("Green Colonialism!" Really.)
In Idaho, a perfectly reasonable windfarm is being held up by the now-usual exaggerated local objections plus the fact it can be seen (3ish miles) from a monument at a former WWII Japanese internment camp. Portland is buying wind power from eastern MT. And so on.
I'm not sure what the consumption trends have been in these states. I know lots of data center owners and others covet the use of their hydro for firming their "24/7 100% clean" targets.
Interesting article, but does not discuss the larger picture for the Northwest. Because of their abundance of hydro-power, British Columbia used to export excess power to the U.S. under the Columbia River Treaty. Today BC is importing approximately 25% of their energy needs because hydro-power production has decreased. Renewal of the Columbia River Treaty is currently under negotiation and could have a significant impact on hydro-power production and salmon in the NW.
Thanks for this interesting story, Michael. I have a related question. Greenhouse gas emissions arise not only from electricity generation, industry, agriculture, and other causes directly attributable to humans. They also arise from forest fires, permafrost melting, and other indirect sources. Are you aware of any study that measures the effects of such indirect sources? Thanks for any information you can provide.
Washington in particular is disappointing because they have not been building other renewables, despite a supposedly climate-leading governor, and big electrification plans. It will be interesting to see some near-term decisions from their "siting board." There is a plan that the Biden admin seems to like to tear out a bunch of dams and build renewables to replace them, but the same tribes who want the free-flowing river seem to have problems with almost all proposed renewables. ("Green Colonialism!" Really.)
In Idaho, a perfectly reasonable windfarm is being held up by the now-usual exaggerated local objections plus the fact it can be seen (3ish miles) from a monument at a former WWII Japanese internment camp. Portland is buying wind power from eastern MT. And so on.
I'm not sure what the consumption trends have been in these states. I know lots of data center owners and others covet the use of their hydro for firming their "24/7 100% clean" targets.
Interesting article, but does not discuss the larger picture for the Northwest. Because of their abundance of hydro-power, British Columbia used to export excess power to the U.S. under the Columbia River Treaty. Today BC is importing approximately 25% of their energy needs because hydro-power production has decreased. Renewal of the Columbia River Treaty is currently under negotiation and could have a significant impact on hydro-power production and salmon in the NW.
Thanks for this interesting story, Michael. I have a related question. Greenhouse gas emissions arise not only from electricity generation, industry, agriculture, and other causes directly attributable to humans. They also arise from forest fires, permafrost melting, and other indirect sources. Are you aware of any study that measures the effects of such indirect sources? Thanks for any information you can provide.