2024: Rethinking Hydropower to Satisfy Energy, Climate, and Biodiversity Goals
To curb climate change, the share of renewables in the global electricity mix must triple by 2030. Alongside solar and wind, hydropower remains the world’s dominant renewable energy source and is projected to double to reach global decarbonization goals. Yet, hydropower expansion impacts river ecosystems, setting up tradeoffs between energy production, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity risks. To advance sustainable energy development, Cornell researchers will develop strategies for integrated hydropower that combines multiple energy production sources including floating photovoltaics and retrofitting non-powered dams to increase energy production without further dam construction. An interdisciplinary team with NGO, government, and external university partners will assess 20 ecologically sensitive river basins where hydropower is being considered, with the goal of protecting biodiversity while increasing renewable energy.
Investigators: Alex Flecker (Cornell CALS/Ecology and Evolutionary Biology), Carla Gomes (Cornell Bowers CIS/Computer Science), Stefano Galelli (Cornell Engineering/Civil and Environmental Engineering), Peter McIntyre (Cornell CALS/Natural Resources)
(Photo credit: Rafael Kelman and Chesf)