what did I do during the month of march?
I spent the month of March in Aspen, Colorado speaking to people who are closely involved with hydropower. From being involved from a political, environmental, or consumer standpoint I was able to talk to people with many different perspectives. Although I was not able to see all the hydroelectric facilities in proximity, I had the opportunity to visit several local sites which provided great hands-on experience.
At the beginning of my experience I spent the day at the Colorado State Capitol shadowing Senator Gail Schwartz. Senator Schwartz has championed many bills that promote the development of micro-hydropower all over the state which provided me with a glimpse into what is happening on the legislative level. While in Denver, I also had the opportunity to tour the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). NREL is a federally sponsored laboratory that researches alternative energy, and “focus[es] on creative answers to today's energy challenges.” They are based out of one of the biggest zero-carbon buildings which was very interesting to tour and reinforced the importance of focusing on all possible solutions, not just one. The most interesting aspect of visiting NREL was hearing how hydropower research is not their primary focus because it is such an old technology. The technology has improved greatly, but as a research lab they felt as though there was so much more potential in unknown areas such as tidal wave research. They said that new hydroelectric technology commonly comes from China. Returning to Aspen gave me the opportunity to speak to the City of Aspen, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, the Aspen Skiing Company and many other locals whom are directly involved with alternative energy. I was able to visit two micro hydro sites that shed light onto how microhydro has a great future because it can be placed in existing infrastructure that most towns have such as irrigation ditches and water pipes.
One of the most resourceful people I spoke with was a close family friend, Ruthie Brown, who has started her own small hydroelectric plant. She stressed the importance of using all alternative energy resources to fight the battle against climate change, and also focused on the importance of having a long-term view for the benefit of future generations. She walked me through how hydroelectric systems do not automatically cause environmental damage becausethere are ways to maintain a healthy stream, while also creating renewable energy. There are endless reports Ruthie must complete to assure that her hydro plant is meeting environmental standards.
Almost without exception, every person I talked to believed that the future of hydroelectricity in the U.S does not rest in the construction of mega dams. Mega dams cause great environmental damage that cannot often be restored and they represent an old state of mind. The future of hydroelectricity rests in the resurrection of retired dams and micro hydro. There are countless retired hydro sites that no longer produce energy that could easily be turned into active sites by installing new technology. Using existing infrastructure is a section of hydropower that has just begun to be tapped. As with any issue, there are factions who are in support and there are people who are against it for a variety of reasons. With hydroelectricity power, many of the opponents are concerned with the health of the stream and the effect on the local ecology. Speaking to people about this tension between environmental camps shed light on how important the process is. A collaborative, transparent, creative and inclusive process can lead to much more success than one side moving forward without regards to the other.
While I was able to meet with great people and see several sites, I wish I had had the opportunity to see a mega dam and speak to a stream ecologist who is specifically involved with hydroelectricity. It would have given me a better perspective on what peoples’ specific concerns are when installing a dam on a river. At the beginning of my March Experience I was under the impression that hydroelectricity was an old energy source that would begin its decline in the modern world. Much to my surprise, I learned that hydroelectricity power has a huge future and to use it effectively we need to think creatively and be willing to compromise.
At the beginning of my experience I spent the day at the Colorado State Capitol shadowing Senator Gail Schwartz. Senator Schwartz has championed many bills that promote the development of micro-hydropower all over the state which provided me with a glimpse into what is happening on the legislative level. While in Denver, I also had the opportunity to tour the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). NREL is a federally sponsored laboratory that researches alternative energy, and “focus[es] on creative answers to today's energy challenges.” They are based out of one of the biggest zero-carbon buildings which was very interesting to tour and reinforced the importance of focusing on all possible solutions, not just one. The most interesting aspect of visiting NREL was hearing how hydropower research is not their primary focus because it is such an old technology. The technology has improved greatly, but as a research lab they felt as though there was so much more potential in unknown areas such as tidal wave research. They said that new hydroelectric technology commonly comes from China. Returning to Aspen gave me the opportunity to speak to the City of Aspen, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, the Aspen Skiing Company and many other locals whom are directly involved with alternative energy. I was able to visit two micro hydro sites that shed light onto how microhydro has a great future because it can be placed in existing infrastructure that most towns have such as irrigation ditches and water pipes.
One of the most resourceful people I spoke with was a close family friend, Ruthie Brown, who has started her own small hydroelectric plant. She stressed the importance of using all alternative energy resources to fight the battle against climate change, and also focused on the importance of having a long-term view for the benefit of future generations. She walked me through how hydroelectric systems do not automatically cause environmental damage becausethere are ways to maintain a healthy stream, while also creating renewable energy. There are endless reports Ruthie must complete to assure that her hydro plant is meeting environmental standards.
Almost without exception, every person I talked to believed that the future of hydroelectricity in the U.S does not rest in the construction of mega dams. Mega dams cause great environmental damage that cannot often be restored and they represent an old state of mind. The future of hydroelectricity rests in the resurrection of retired dams and micro hydro. There are countless retired hydro sites that no longer produce energy that could easily be turned into active sites by installing new technology. Using existing infrastructure is a section of hydropower that has just begun to be tapped. As with any issue, there are factions who are in support and there are people who are against it for a variety of reasons. With hydroelectricity power, many of the opponents are concerned with the health of the stream and the effect on the local ecology. Speaking to people about this tension between environmental camps shed light on how important the process is. A collaborative, transparent, creative and inclusive process can lead to much more success than one side moving forward without regards to the other.
While I was able to meet with great people and see several sites, I wish I had had the opportunity to see a mega dam and speak to a stream ecologist who is specifically involved with hydroelectricity. It would have given me a better perspective on what peoples’ specific concerns are when installing a dam on a river. At the beginning of my March Experience I was under the impression that hydroelectricity was an old energy source that would begin its decline in the modern world. Much to my surprise, I learned that hydroelectricity power has a huge future and to use it effectively we need to think creatively and be willing to compromise.