Grapevine

Hydropower industry lost billions to drought over two decades

Hydropower is one of the country's leading sources of clean energy, but extended drought reduces the amount of power these facilities can produce. Without adequate planning, say researchers from The University of Alabama, this clean and renewable energy source can be a liability in times of drought.

In a study recently published in Environmental Research Letters, the UA researchers at the Center for Complex Hydrosystems Research conducted a comprehensive analysis to determine the impact of drought on hydropower generation during the 18-year period and identify the relative vulnerability of each state to drought.

They found a considerable decline in hydroelectric power between 2003 and 2020 at a cost of an estimated $28 billion to the sector nationwide. Hydropower facilities not only lost out on revenue, but the energy deficit then had to be purchased from other utilities.

A better understanding of drought impact

"Public perception is that flood is the main cause of vulnerability to the changing climate," said Dr. Hamid Moradkhani, Alton N. Scott Professor of Engineering and director of the CCHR. In publishing the study, his team aimed to highlight the costs of drought so mitigation strategies can be part of long-term planning. "Our message is that we can't take drought lightly, especially its effects on hydroelectricity generation."