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Hydropower
Hydroelectric power is the world’s largest renewable source of electricity, accounting for almost 15% of the world’s electricity. At Symbiotics we believe that modern hydroelectric facilities are compatible with healthy rivers. Since 2001 we have been developing low-impact hydroelectric projects to meet the growing demand for renewable energy while preserving a healthy environment. Included in our project portfolio is the building of new pumped-storage facilities as well as the retrofitting of existing dams that currently have no hydroelectric facilities. Combining the proven efficiency of clean hydropower with emerging technologies and a new environmental ethic, we envision a second generation of hydropower for melding, in an economically efficient and environmentally correct manner, the old with the new. In the United States hydropower has largely been under the control of the Federal Government, including the Hoover Dam Hydroelectric Project, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Bonneville Power Authority. At these Projects The U. S. Army Corp of Engineers is responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure while the relevant |
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The first U.S. hydroelectric project was built on the Fox River in Wisconsin in 1882, just after the development of the incandescent light bulb. Hydroelectric projects played a major role in the expansion of electrical service in the early part of the 19th century, as hydropower facilities were more reliable and efficient than early fossil fuel fired power plants. The massive demand for electricity during the post-WWII population boom sparked a period of government-sponsored “mega-projects”, including both the Grand Coulee and Hoover Dam Hydroelectric Projects. By the middle of the 20th century hydroelectric power accounted for one-third of all electricity supplied in the U.S.
Many of these “mega-projects” had irreversible impacts on local watersheds, compromising local fisheries as well as local recreational and agricultural resources. Coupled with increases in the efficiencies of fossil-fuel-fired power plants, these impacts brought an end to the rapid growth of hydropower. Currently hydropower accounts for less than 10% of the electricity generated in the U.S.
Power Authority operates the facility and markets the power. Once built, the Hook Canyon Pumped-Storage Project will be one of the largest sources of hydropower outside of federal control. It will be a source of pride for Utah as it helps the United States move from its current 10% share to at least the world average 15% share of electricity produced from hydropower.