Some countries are already taking advantage of this opportunity. Since 2000, 36 dams in the US have been replaced by generators, adding more than 500 megawatts of renewable energy. There is more possibility: The US Department of Energy’s 2016 report found that an additional 4.8 gigawatts of electricity could be generated by rehabilitating weak dams over the next thirty years. In places like the US and Western Europe, where the growth of dams during the 20th century faded away, rehabilitation may be the only way governments want more water. “If there are dams left, let’s try to find solutions and work together to find the best solution,” says McManamay.
But before anyone starts building a dam, they may need to look at the numbers again. It is not easy to accurately predict the amount of electricity that a leased space will produce, as it is clear that not every pool should be converted. Suppose someone wants to install turbines in a dam built to prevent water from flowing so that they can irrigate farmers’ fields. During the growing season, most of the water would flow to the crops, instead of crossing the dam to generate electricity. Or it may be that in an area where water is sufficient to supply electricity for part of the year. Suddenly the restored dams would not seem like such a wise idea.
Some recent research on renovated dams in the US, which was also commissioned by the Department of Energy, found that estimates of their power range came from a reliable source: On average, the displays were 3.6 times larger than the actual power. The study found that the most successful reclaimers are concrete dams that are built to facilitate mobility. (Dams are often used to expand or deepen waterways to make boats safer.) “This is a difficult subject. Repairing is not easy, ”says McManamay.
But in countries like Brazil, big dams are still a big issue. “If they are to truly prosper and improve the lives of people all over the country, they need energy. This is a long and short time, ”says Michael Goulding, chief of the water scientist at the Wildlife Service. The country’s most recent 10-year power plan features nine major dams is destined to end Before the year 2029. Instead of expecting the dam to be rebuilt, it is important to ensure that proper education is provided to ensure that it is built in a way that minimizes environmental damage, says Goulding: “It often damages the environment. it’s not very good. He also described the scenic location near the dam and the scenery does not include all the difficulties of downstream and upstream. ”
The Belo Monte Dam is a good example of how large dams affect the environment. The dam diverted 80 percent of Xingu’s water from the 62 miles[62 km]of the Big Bend River. This region of Xingu is the only place known as Zebra Pleco, the world’s most fascinating fish species. Thiago BA Couto, a post-doctoral researcher at Florida International University’s Tropical Rivers Lab, says Thiago BA Couto. The impact of dams on fish species is well documented anywhere in the world. In Washington State, Elwha Dam separates the Elwha slope up and down, reducing Salmon fish habitat is 90 percent. Some tribal areas along the river have disappeared, with some people — such as Chinook — experiencing a slight decline in their size.
In the long run, however, even large dams can become more powerful than they can be used. In 2014, the last remnants of Elwha Dam were permanently removed. The Chinook fish that for years had been confined to the back of two dams is now slowly moving he returns on the surface. Complete recovery is expected to take many years. “Dams don’t last long,” says Couto. “There are many who are too many, but they are not giving the benefits they deserve.”
Some of the Best WIRED Stories