Alternatives to Hydropower

Studies have indicated that at the current state, the Northwest relies too heavily on hydropower for a source of energy and that supplanting the energy produced by the lower Snake River dams with renewables would have no effect on the region's economy at worst and result in an increase of almost 15,000 new jobs at best.

"The region's dependence on hydropower creates several potential problems. First, the power supply is highly variable, depending on the amount of rainfall in the region, and this variability affects costs . . . Second, the dams necessary for the hydroelectric plants threaten the well being of the salmon populations . . . Third, the capacity of the hydroelectric plants has reached a maximum, and hydroelectric power will not be able to support the region's projected growth and increased demand for electricity." (RAND at 1.)

Reducing the percent share of hydropower and natural gas-fired generation could help reduce the risks and uncertainties associated with hydropower and natural gas-fired energy production. (RAND at xii.) The Northwest currently relies on hydropower for approximately 82 percent of its energy capacity. By 2010, the Northwest is expected to still rely on hydropower for approximately 64 percent of its energy capacity. (RAND at xi.)

"[O]ur results indicate that the lower Snake River dams could be removed without hurting economic growth and employment . . . the regional economy would not suffer from this change."(RAND at 32.) Removing the four lower Snake River dams and replacing that energy with energy efficiency could result in almost 15,000 new jobs for the Northwest. (RAND at xv; 29-30.)

Many sectors of the Northwest economy could see growth with the removal of the four lower Snake River dams. The biggest increases will likely happen in economic sectors such as recreation, retail, restaurants, and real estate. "For example, sales from recreational activities would increase by an estimated $230 million over the next 20 years." (RAND at 28.) "Removing the dams would provide economic benefits associated with fishing, recreation, and tourism and would have significant environmental benefit." (RAND at 28.)

"In summary, the electricity portfolio could be diversified through efficiency and renewables without much impact on the economy, either positive or negative. Diversification could therefore provide an opportunity to hedge against future volatility in natural-gas prices and supply and hydroelectric production, while also providing other benefits to the region, including environmental benefits." (RAND at xv.)

Pernin, Christopher G., Mark A. Bernstein, et al., Generating Electric Power in the Pacific Northwest: Implications of Alternative Technologies, Santa Monica, Calif.: RAND, MR-1604-PCT, 2002. RAND's Northwest Energy Report

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