hydro power Archives - Page 2 of 2

A Chinese Hydropower Scorecard Does Not Fill the Accountability Gap

September 23, 201113 years ago zhurwitz 0 Comments

The International Hydropower Association launched its non-binding sustainability guidelines scorecard in Beijing today, hoping to attract Chinese dam builders to what is turning out to be the world’s latest industry-led greenwash.

Yet, the scorecard, called the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (HSAP), may do little to fill the accountability gap that exists between country regulatory systems. The HSAP makes no requirement of developers to comply with national and international legislation.

Innovative, New Approach to Low-Head, Low-Flow Water Power

August 30, 201113 years ago Guest Contributor 5 Comments

Interest and investment in low-head (vertical drop), low-flow hydro power peaked a century ago. This corresponds to the rise of interest in hydro turbines. The improved power output of the larger units dictated their priority over traditional stream and water wheels.

Thought Solar Was Hard to Permit? Try Pumped Storage!

April 18, 201113 years ago susan 6 Comments

When you consider the environmental benefits of solar power for providing electricity, it has always seemed unfair that it takes so much bureaucracy to overcome to get it built, even in the nation’s leader, California.

Whereas a natural gas power plant sails through the permitting process with ease, solar can take years and be tripped up by technicalities that don’t slow the permitting of polluting power plants…

China Got Over 1/4 of Its Electricity from Clean Energy in 2010

January 18, 201113 years ago Zachary Shahan 13 Comments

Yes, 26.53% of electricity generated in China in 2010 was from clean energy according to a new report out by the China Electricity Council (CEC). Total installed power capacity increased 10.07% to 962 GW in 2010 and electricity consumption grew 14.56%, reaching over 4.19 trillion kWh. The portion of that … [continued]

New Microhydro Book is THE Microhydro Book

October 15, 201014 years ago Zachary Shahan 11 Comments

This post is part of our participation in Blog Action Day 2010, which is on the topic of Water. Microhydro is not the first thing you think of when you think about renewable energy. I am sure I can count on one hand the number of people who have used … [continued]

California Wants to Lead With Solar Initiatives

August 19, 200915 years ago Derek Markham 0 Comments

California, which has often led the nation in emissions reductions and environmental initiatives, is not the standard bearer in producing renewable energy today. If you consider all forms of renewable energy — solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, then California isn’t at the top in total production, and as a percentage … [continued]