Why are hydroelectric dams so rare?
Very little US electricity comes from hydroelectricity. WHY??? There are plenty of rivers across the US! How is it not practical to have miles of dams to produce electricity? (ok, I guess “miles” is an exaggeration)
But see the attached article: Ford spent $1 million to build a dam, and every year, they save $4 million by NOT purchasing electricity. As a matter of fact, they can re-sell the extra electricity they don’t use.
In the case of this article: “HOW IS IT NOT PRACTICAL TO USE THE EXISTING DAM SITE TO ADD ADDITIONAL TURBINES?” (it wouldn’t disrupt additional aqua-life any more than it already has) add another row of turbines, generate an additional 18 mega-watts of electricity.
Thanks for any insight that you can add!!!
http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2006/02/13_helmsm_forddam/
Hydro electric dams are rare for many of the same reasons nuclear power plants are rare.
1. Large capitol investment up front for long term payback.
2. Environmental impact is very difficult to prove / achieve approval
3. Geographical / topographical conditions for a dam/reservoir are rare
4. Safety – prove there will never be an accident
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