Ignoring risks: A hydropower industry wake-up call

For the past five years, I’ve worked as a hydropower advocate, which has given me some great opportunities. For instance, I was a keynote speaker at the Hydropower International Conference in 2022 and CEATI’s Hydropower Conference in 2023. I even graced the January 2023 cover of Hydro Leader Magazine. However, between these enjoyable moments, I’ve witnessed a concerning trend: the powerful influence of anti-hydropower advocacy groups.

This realization prompts me to address a crucial issue: the failure of much of the hydropower industry to recognize the imminent risks it faces. This concern became apparent with the recent release of the third annual “Ear to the River” survey within the hydropower sector.

An alarming blind spot

First, let me say I appreciate the efforts of the survey’s sponsors – the Hydropower Foundation, Ontario Waterpower Association, National Hydropower Association, and Kleinschmidt – in collecting industry insights. The survey’s results, however, highlight a troubling oversight. 

The survey sought to identify the most pressing challenges confronting the hydropower industry in the next 3-5 years according to hydropower owners. The responses were revealing, with “shortage of workers” leading at 56% and “compensation for power and non-power benefits” following at 25%. However, critical risks, such as regulatory uncertainties (posed by the growing anti-hydropower advocacy) were notably underestimated.

This oversight represents a significant blind spot for the hydropower sector, threatening the industry’s entire future. To put it another way, we won’t have to worry about hiring workers if government policies start shutting down our productive dams. 

Case study

Consider the ongoing situation surrounding the four lower Snake River dams in Eastern Washington state. While these dams have long provided significant benefits to the region, recent developments, including a settlement between the Biden administration and plaintiff groups, have raised concerns about their future.

This settlement was reached amidst protests from organizations representing millions of electricity customers, as well as farmers, ports, and river transportation groups. The fact that it went forward underscores the substantial influence wielded by anti-hydropower advocates. Notably, prominent organizations such as Patagonia, Natural Resources Defense Council, Earth Justice, and the Sierra Club, alongside smaller yet influential organizations like American Rivers, have spearheaded efforts that challenge hydropower’s sustainability.

These efforts wouldn’t be so alarming if the anti-hydropower establishment wasn’t so well funded. Organizations that have called for breaching the lower Snake River dams, for example, have assets into the billions of dollars on aggregate basis. They also have expertise in influencing policymakers and shaping public opinion. 

Anti-hydropower efforts extend to Washington DC, where advocates call for the elimation of all hydropower from consideration as a carbon-free energy source. Such efforts jeopardize support for hydropower, billions in funding, and the industry’s future.

Shifting our priorities

In light of these challenges, it is crucial for the hydropower industry to first understand the challenge at hand. We can’t win a fight that we don’t know we’re in. 

Next, we need to prioritize advocacy efforts. We need to fund nationwide campaigns in support of hydropower, participate in political giving, and build more influential coalitions. These efforts should also focus on engaging policymakers at all levels to ensure that hydropower remains a central component of the clean energy transition. 

The good news is that it can be done. The trail has been blazed and it’s not difficult to follow. Not only that, but our industry has an amazing story to tell. Hydropower is the key renewable energy resource when it comes to addressing climate change, energy equity, and energy reliability.

In conclusion, the hydropower industry must recognize the risks it faces and the importance of advocacy in addressing these risks. By actively engaging stakeholders, raising awareness, and encouraging supportive policies, we can safeguard the future of hydropower and ensure its continued contribution to a sustainable energy future.