Solar Growth Cushions Colorado River Hydropower Declines
Hydropower output at Hoover Dam has decreased by about half since 2000 due to drought, with Lakes Mead and Powell approaching critical thresholds.
Utilities that receive federal hydropower from Colorado River dams are turning to solar power as a result.
In Arizona, top water policy officials gathered to discuss extending a drought emergency declaration amidst minimal precipitation and low reservoirs.
The standard indicators – minimal precipitation, low reservoirs, the second-hottest 12-month period on record – were not encouraging.
- Lakes Mead and Powell are approaching critical thresholds below which hydropower generation would be severely curtailed or cease.
- Utilities are turning to solar power to compensate for declining hydropower output.
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Author's summary: Drought affects Colorado River hydropower.