Hydropower Reform Coalition - National

Google Earth Shows How Dams Could Worsen Climate Change

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:46:42 -0600

A new interactive Google Earth video, produced by International Rivers and Friends of the Earth International, aims to show how damming rivers around the world can exacerbate climate change.

The approximately 12-minute video uses computer animation to simulate the potential climate hazards associated with building dams in Africa, the Himalayas, and the Amazon.

Watch the Youtube Video here.

U.S. Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) Renewable Energy Technology Roadmap Announced

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:03:17 -0500

Source: www.oceanrenewable.com

November 1, 2011

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Sean O'Neill (301) 325-5099

Carolyn Elefant (202) 297-6100

Chris Campbell (250) 616-3780

U.S. Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) Renewable Energy Technology Roadmap Announced

Canada Releases MHK Roadmap on Same Day

Five MHK Roadmaps Emerge Globally in October 2011

All-Europe, Canada, U.S., and International join Scotland and Ireland in Mapping MHK Progress

Today, the Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition (OREC) unveiled the first U.S. Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) Technology Roadmap. The roadmap describes the issues, challenges and opportunities facing the MHK industry and outlines a clear and logical path to its commercialization. Technologies that capture energy from free-flowing waves, tides and currents represent the potential to provide up to ten percent of U.S. electricity consumption and continue to make advances and gain popularity in coastal communities around the world.

Canada's Ocean Renewable Energy Group (OREG), the Canadian MHK trade group, announced the release of its own industry roadmap today at the OREG annual conference in Montreal, where the Honorable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, was on hand to receive the first printed copy. Also announcing similar initiatives this Fall include:

The ORECCA Offshore Renewable Energy Roadmap (European Union);

The International Energy Agency's Ocean Energy Systems International Vision for Ocean Energy;

3rd phase SuperGen Marine Energy Research Consortium (United Kingdom); and,

The Chilean Energy Ministry and the British Embassy in Chile recently commissioned a marine energy strategy for Chile.

"The fact that Canada and the U.S. announced MHK roadmaps on the same date, along with the announcements of additional regional and international MHK roadmaps, underscores the competition and cooperation we're experiencing in this fast growing industry." said Sean O'Neill, OREC's President. "A clean energy future is in everyone's best interest. As North America enters the global competition, we are joining an international race based on common interests in energy security, job growth and economic development, environmental improvements and the reality of finite fossil fuel resources."

Chris Campbell, OREG's Executive Director, commented, "Canada's strategy is based on existing sales of river current generators, wave and current monitoring equipment worldwide, Alstom's development of a Canadian tidal technology to be the world's first 2 Megawatt system and the strategy we are seeing emerge around tidal opportunities in Nova Scotia."

Bob Thresher of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory facilitated the development of the U.S. Roadmap. "Countries in Europe produced similar roadmaps as long as ten years ago," he said. "The U.S. Roadmap is a critical step forward in the domestic commercialization of these technologies. Support from the U.S. Department of Energy and colleagues from overseas, including Henry Jeffrey of the University of Edinburgh who has had his hand in just about every Roadmap, worldwide, helped move this along." he added.

"I am delighted to have been involved in so many of these efforts," added University of Edinburgh's Dr. Henry Jeffrey. "International interest in coherent strategic planning shows how serious these efforts are. There is significant global recognition of the economic and environmental benefits this sector can deliver and the increased system reliability supported by a diverse supply portfolio."

John Huckerby, Chairman of Ocean Energy Systems, the international intergovernmental consortium welcomed the number of national and regional initiatives that complement the international vision just released by OES. "These initiatives highlight the growing recognition of this industry and its potential contributions to energy security, our environment, and our economies."

"Since 2008, the U.S. Government has invested more than $50 million in the MHK sector. This roadmap and continued federal support will help protect these investments and lead to energy independence, a cleaner environment and the potential to export clean energy technology and capture a piece of this global market estimated at over $600 billion (U.S.)," said O'Neill.

The U.S. MHK Roadmap spells out the steps necessary to achieve at least 15 Gigawatts of grid-connected MHK power by 2030 and create up to 36,000 jobs in the process. The Roadmap emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts, continued funding for research, development and deployment activities and support for an environmental study program that would help place vital data into the public domain.

The U.S. Roadmap and Executive Summary are available online: http://www.oceanrenewable.com/roadmap

Coalition to Host a Hydrokinetics & Recreation Workshop

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:09:45 -0500

The Hydropower Reform Coalition is partnering with the National Park Service to organize a “Hydrokinetics and Recreation Workshop” in Memphis, Tennessee on October 18 and a boating trip on the Mississippi River on Oct 19.

The workshop will be used to discuss recreational issues surrounding new hydrokinetic technologies like the ones being proposed on the Mississippi River. The workshop is targeted for regulators, developers, and stakeholders, including recreation
users along the Mississippi River and will review major recreation effects as well as options to study those effects.

There is no fee to participate in the workshop but registration is required. However, a small fee will be assessed to participate in the field trip.

More information is available here. Registration form is available here.

Attachment	Size
Memphis HK Recreation Workshop Registration Form.pdf	65.64 KB
Memphis HK Recreation Workshop Information.pdf	323.41 KB

FERC opens pathway to 2011 removal of Condit Dam

Rich Bowers — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:44:03 -0500

Project: Condit : P-2342

On April 21, 2011, FERC issued its order on rehearing, denying stay, and dismissing the extension of time request by PacifiCorp on Project No. 2342-021, Condit Dam on Washington's White Salmon River. This order re-opens the path for removing the dam this October, 2011.

With a limited dam removal window, and pending FERC's response to the utilities request for clarification and rehearing on FERC's surrender order (WA Dept of Ecology and American Rivers, American Whitewater and Trout Unlimited also requested rehearing), PacifiCorp had asked for an extension to push removal back to 2012. In this order, FERC addresses those areas were clarification was needed, especially its earlier decision that the state had waived its 401 water quality certification, and denies their request for an extension.

The order "concludes that 401 certification was not in fact waived and incorporates the certification conditions as conditions of the surrender order." Further, FERC orders "The licensee shall commence breaching Condit Dam and draining Northwestern Lake in October 2011 and may continue project operations until breaching the dam."

The order does provide the licensee with an out, saying that "If PacifiCorp determines that it would not be able to begin project removal activities in 2011, it can then file a new motion for an extension of time ..." But this is acceptable and places the onus of timely removal back on PacifiCorp.

We applaud FERC for this timely order, which looks at the big picture benefits of dam removal. We look forward to working with PacifiCorp and other signatories to the October 1999 settlement agreement and to removing the dam this October.

Attachment	Size
Order dismissing extenstion of time request 4 21 11.doc	332 KB

Assessment Shows Additional 225 MW Potential at Bureau Sites

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:22:22 -0500

A Hydropower Resource Assessment performed by the Bureau of Reclamation for its existing sites, including dams, diversions, canals, and tunnels, estimates that there is potential to add 225MW of capacity at the Bureau’s sites.

The analysis looked at 530 existing sites, of which, 191 sites were determined to have some level of hydropower potential. Only 70 of those sites, with a total generation capacity of 225 MW, show some economic potential for development. Utah and Colorado have the highest potential installed capacity at 53 MW and 46 MW respectively.

The resource assessment is a result of a March 2010 MOU () between the Departments of Interior, Army, and Energy, under which the agencies agreed to evaluate hydropower potential at federal facilities.

The 70 sites identified have a benefit cost ratio of greater than 0.7, making them more lucrative to development.

Guide Offers Strategies for Addressing Recreation Issues in New Hydropower Technologies

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:30:24 -0500

Contact:

Joan Harn, National Park Service, 202-354-6929

Rupak Thapaliya, Hydropower Reform Coalition, 202-243-7076

March 31, 2011

Washington, DC -- The Hydropower Reform Coalition and the National Park Service have jointly released a new guide that offers strategies to deal with potential recreation issues as new hydrokinetic energy technologies are being proposed in rivers and oceans, often times in same areas that are high-value recreation resources. Hydrokinetic Energy Projects and Recreation: A Guide to Assessing Impacts provides general information about hydrokinetic technologies and the permitting process, identifies potential recreational concerns, and suggests ways to study and mitigate those impacts. The guide is available online at www.hydroreform.org/hydroguide/hydrokinetic-recreation.

"Dam-less hydrokinetic projects have great potential, but many of the sites proposed for development are also key recreation sites. Early identification of interested stakeholders, issues of concern, and opportunities to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts is essential for the successful implementation of these new technologies. The new guide will help the developers and the regulators do just that," said Joan Harn of the National Park Service.

The guide is designed for staff from utilities, developers, and state & federal agencies involved in assessing hydrokinetic impacts, as well as interested stakeholders who want to be “critical consumers” of studies and become involved in hydrokinetic project licensing processes. The work was jointly funded by Hydropower Reform Coalition, National Park Service, and the Department of Energy.

With the latest surge in interest in renewable energy projects, marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies have become part of the discussion. These emerging technologies may offer useful contributions, but like any other energy source they may affect other public resources such as fisheries, wildlife, or recreation. As with traditional energy projects, it is important that impacts on public resources are identified early and addressed appropriately.

"The guide is a terrific resource for understanding how hydrokinetic energy projects can impact recreational uses, and how developers and agencies can work with stakeholders to avoid or minimize these impacts through thoughtful project planning," said Pete Stauffer, the Ocean Ecosystem Program Manager at Surfrider Foundation.

The HRC and NPS hope that the guide will be useful to developers, regulators and the general public as the United States looks to generate more energy using hydrokinetic technologies.

###

FERC and Corps Agree to Work More Closely on Licensing

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:46:59 -0500

Yesterday, FERC and Army Corps of Engineers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate the respective regulatory processes associated with the authorizations required to construct and operate non-Federal hydropower projects.

According to the press release by FERC, the MOU provides for:

Early involvement of FERC and USACE staff during the pre-filing stage of licensing and the environmental review process so issues are identified early and sufficient information is gathered to inform both agencies’ decisions;
Establishing a schedule between FERC and USACE early in the process so all applicable review and approval activities occur concurrently to avoid unnecessary delays and redundancies;
Sharing of administrative and technical data as necessary between FERC and USACE; and
Establishing FERC as the lead federal agency for preparation of the environmental document, with USACE participating as a cooperating agency as needed.

The MOU is available here.

FERC has authority to regulate non-federal hydropower projects, including those that may be sited on Corps dams. With this MOU, the agencies hope to encourage hydropower development at Corps dams by non-federal entities.

Attachment	Size
FERC_CORPS_MOU_20110330.pdf	851.45 KB

Senate Holds Hearing on Two New Bills

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:30:26 -0500

The Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee is holding a hearing on Thursday, March 31 to hear testimonies on two recent hydropower bills introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (D-Alaska).

John Seebach, the chair of the Coalition and director of hydropower reform initiative at American Rivers, will be testifying at the hearing. The hearing will focus on S. 629, a bill to improve hydropower, and for other purposes, and S. 630, a bill to promote marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy research and development.

The hydropower bill (S.629), largely looks to provides ways to facilitate development of various types of hydropower.

Specifically, the bill

Creates a competitive grant program to support efficiency improvements or capacity additions at existing hydropower facilities add generation to non-powered dams
Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to explore a potential two-year licensing process for hydropower development at existing non-powered dams and closed-loop pumped storage projects, through a pilot process
Allows conduit projects to be built on federal lands
Directs FERC to conduct public workshops to explore and reduce barriers to small hydro projects
Directs Department of Interior and US Army Corps of Engineers to report to Congress on the implementation of the March 24, 2010 MOU on federal hydropower development
Requires DOE to develop and implement a plan to increase nation’s use of hydropower through R&D
Directs DOE and Bureau of Reclamation to study development opportunities for pumped storage and conduits

The bill, introduced on March 18, is cosponsored by Senators Begich (D-AK), Bingaman (D-NM), Cantwell (D-WA), Crapo (R-ID), Murray (D-WA), Risch (R-ID), Whitehouse (D-RI), and Wyden (D-OR).

The marine and hydrokinetic energy bill (S.630) largely aims to promote research and development for marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies and provides grants to do so. However, it also contains a provision that would allow funding for new hydropower development.

The hearing will be casted live on the internet at 9:30 am on the Committee’s website at http://energy.senate.gov.

Small Hydro Animated Parody

Rich Bowers — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:01:48 -0600

HRC Announces Webinar and Extension of Comment Period for "MHK & Recreation Guide"

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:37:03 -0500

The deadline to comment on the draft report “Hydrokinetic Energy Projects & Recreation: A Guide to Assessing Impacts,” has been extended until November 15, 2010. The report provides guidance on evaluating impacts of new hydropower technologies (i.e. tidal, in-river current, and wave) on recreation. The report is being supported by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Department of Energy.

The HRC and NPS will also will conduct a webinar on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern to present the Guide and answer any questions you may have. To attend the webinar, simply send an email with “Webinar registration” in the subject line to rupak@hydroreform.org by October 22, 2010.

HRC Offers Recommendations for Implementation of the MOU between DOI and DOE

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:37:10 -0500

Through a letter sent to the Department of Interior and Department of Energy, the Hydropower Reform Coalition supported the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached by the two departments for offshore energy development, including marine and hydrokinetic.

The Departments reached the MOU last month, in which they agreed to work together for development of wind and marine & hydrokinetic energy.

Among other things, the HRC has recommended that the Departments engage the NGO community as they move forward with the implementation of the MOU and has offered to participate and engage in the process.

Read the letter sent by the HRC.

DOI and DOE Enter MOU to Foster Collaboration on Offshore Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Projects

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:01:26 -0500

The Department of Interior and the Department of Energy have agreed to strengthen the working relationship between the two agencies on the future development of commercial renewable offshore energy projects, including the marine and hydrokinetic energy projects, on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

The Bureau of Ocean Energy, Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 29, 2010 on behalf of the DOI and DOE respectively.

According to a press release by DOE, an inter-agency workgroup will be formed within 30 days of the signing of the MOU, which will develop an Action Plan covering the following areas:

Development of attainable deployment goals for offshore wind and marine and hydrokinetic energy on the OCS
Siting and Permitting
Resource Assessment
Technical Standards
Data Exchange and Public Engagement

Click here to read the MOU.

US Senate Confirmes LaFleur and Moeller as FERC Commissioners

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:35:49 -0500

The US Senate, this week, confirmed Cheryl LaFleur as the fifth member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and reconfirmed Philip Moeller for his second term.

According to FERC, LaFleur has more than 20 years experience as a leader in the electric and gas industry. She retired in 2007 as Executive Vice President and acting CEO of National Grid USA responsible for the delivery of electricity to 3.4 million customers in the Northeast. Her previous positions at National Grid and its predecessor New England Electric System included COO, president of New England distribution and general counsel.

Moeller, who has been with the Commission since July 2006, has been heavily involved in hydropower issues.

LeFleur’s term ends in 2014 and Moeller’s in 2015.

HRC and NPS Seek Comments on Draft Report

Rupak Thapaliya — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:31:37 -0500

The Hydropower Reform Coalition has partnered with the National Park Service with assistance from the Department of Energy to produce a whitepaper on recreational issues related to the marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies, which is now available for public review.

The draft report entitled “Hydrokinetic Energy Projects & Recreation: A Guide to Assessing Impacts” provides guidance on how to study recreation impacts and consider ways to minimize adverse ones. In additions, the whitepaper also describes the types of marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies currently available and the potential recreation impacts of such technologies. The whitepaper is designed for utilities, developers, state and federal agencies, and other interested stakeholders involved in assessing recreation impacts.

The draft report is available at http://www.hydroreform.org/hydroguide/hydrokinetic-recreation. The HRC and NPS are seeking comments from all stakeholders and encourage comments on substantive issues and other suggestions that will improve the usefulness of the Guide. Comments should be submitted to comments@hydroreform.org by August 31, 2010.

Oklahoma Sets Renewable Energy Goal, Includes All Hydro in its Renewable Portfolio

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:33:08 -0500

Last week, Governor Brad Henry signed a legislation requiring that Oklahoma generate 15% of its electricity through renewable energy sources by 2015. The legislation counts hydropower in its renewable portfolio along with wind, solar, photovoltaic, hydrogen, geothermal, and biomass.

Read a related Businessweek news article and the legislation.

According to FERC's record, there are seven authorized projects in Oklahoma with a combined capacity of 512.6 MW.

FERC, California Agree to Coordinate in Development of Hydrokinetic Projects

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:59:01 -0500

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate procedures and schedules at the federal and state levels for development of hydrokinetic energy projects off the California coast.

According to a FERC news release, FERC and California have agreed to the following:

Each will notify the other when one becomes aware of a potential applicant for a preliminary permit, pilot project license or license;
When considering a license application, each will agree as early as possible on a schedule for processing. The schedule will include milestones, and FERC and California will encourage other federal agencies and stakeholders to comply with the schedules;
They will coordinate the environmental reviews of any proposed projects in California state waters. FERC and California also will consult with stakeholders, including project developers, on the design of studies and environmental matters; and
They will encourage applicants to seek pilot project licenses prior to a full commercial license, to allow for testing of devices before commercial deployment.

California now becomes the fourth state after Oregon, Washington, and Maine to sign an agreement with FERC for development of hydrokinetic energy projects.

New Web Tools To Facilitate Licensing of Small Hydro

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:24:00 -0500

After hearing from stakeholders at a technical conference in December 2009, FERC will now offer web-based tools that would ease the licensing process for development of small hydropower in the United States.

According to FERC, such tools will be available by August 2010 and will help developers understand the FERC licensing process, help improve coordination with other agencies, and help license applicants complete the process more quickly and efficiently.

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in development of small hydropower in the US. According to FERC, currently there are 30 pending applications for license or exemptions and another 50 issued preliminary permits.

Read FERC’s press release below.

FERC looks to ease development of small hydropower projects

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) took a step toward making its small hydropower licensing program more user-friendly today by announcing a series of Web-based tools that will help developers understand the FERC licensing process, help improve coordination with other agencies, and help license applicants complete the process more quickly and efficiently.

“Efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet the growing number of state renewable energy standards are drawing increased attention to small hydropower project development,” FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff said. “These new tools will help provide additional resources to applicants considering developing hydropower.”

“Small and micro hydropower has enormous potential, but these projects often cannot be developed under traditional licensing methods,” Commissioner Philip Moeller said. “By our action today, the Commission is working to ease the regulatory burden of harnessing this clean and renewable form of energy.”

The new resources, to be available at www.ferc.gov in August 2010, came out of discussions at FERC’s December 2009 technical conference on small, non-federal hydropower projects. The resources will provide a roadmap that walks applicants through the process of selecting a project site, determining if a project is jurisdictional, selecting a FERC licensing process, consulting with stakeholders, and preparing a license or exemption application. New tools, such as fill-in-the-blank license and exemption application templates and tips on how to expedite the application process, are intended to make it easier for a potential applicant to apply for a license or exemption.

Staff also intends to update existing agreements, or Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), with other agencies to improve coordination, and will employ a new outreach program to educate potential small hydro developers. Staff also will continue to provide a small hydro hotline and email address to answer applicants’ questions.

At the December 2009 technical conference, participants noted the increasing interest in small hydropower in recent years. Last year, FERC staff received almost twice as many inquiries on small hydro issues than in 2008. And the Commission has received more preliminary permit, license and exemption applications for these types of projects.

DOI, DOE and Army Corps Sign a MOU: Federal Agencies To Look at Basin-wide Assessment for Hydropower Development

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:34:04 -0500

In what seems like a progress from conventional ways of looking at hydropower, federal agencies that own and operate hydropower projects around the country are collaborating to find ways to increase hydropower generation while at the same time protecting the non-power interests of the basin.

The officials of the Departments of Interior, Energy and Army, through the Army Corps of Engineers, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that, among other things, looks to approach hydropower development from a basin-scale approach.

Coalition members have advocated for such an approach, which would not only generate more power but also provide opportunities for greater environmental restoration.

The MOU aims to increase communication between federal agencies and strengthen the long-term relationship between them to prioritize the generation and development of sustainable hydropower.

Objectives of the MOU include:

Identifying specific federal facilities that will be well-suited as sites for sustainable hydropower;
Upgrading facilities and demonstrating new technologies at existing hydropower locations;
Coordinating research and development on advanced hydropower technologies;
Increasing hydropower generation through low-impact and environmentally sustainable approaches;
Integrating policies at the federal level; and
Collaborating to identify total incremental hydropower resources at federal facilities.

See the related press release from the Department of Interior.

LaFleur is President Obama’s Pick for FERC Commissioner

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600

President Obama has announced his intent to nominate Cheryl A. LaFleur as the Commissioner of FERC and reappoint Philip D. Moeller for another term.

If confirmed by the Senate, LaFleur would fill the position left vacant after Suedeen Kelly left the Commission earlier this year.

According to the White House,

LaFleur has more than 20 years experience as a leader in the electric and gas industry. She retired in 2007 as Executive Vice President and acting CEO of National Grid USA responsible for the delivery of electricity to 3.4 million customers in the Northeast. Her previous positions at National Grid USA and its predecessor New England Electric System included Chief Operating Officer, President of the New England distribution companies, General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Retail Marketing, and Vice President of Demand-Side Management.

LeFleur has an A.B. with high honors from Princeton University and a J.D. with honors from Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Commissioner Moeller, whose current term expires in June 2010, has been with the Commission since July 2006.

More Transparency Needed in Green Pricing Programs

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:27:17 -0600

A recent study by the HRC has revealed lack of transparency in green-pricing programs offered by utilities around the country.

In 2008, about 850 electric utilities, a quarter of the electric utilities in the United States, offered green-pricing programs and the trend is growing. However, participants in green-pricing programs, including utilities and marketers are reluctant to disclose information about hydropower projects that are supported by these programs.

Green pricing is an optional service that allows customers an opportunity to support a greater level of utility company investment in renewable-energy technologies. Participating customers pay a premium on their electric bill to cover the incremental cost of the additional renewable energy.

In a recently published report, HRC concludes that- “fundamentally, the lack of transparency in green-pricing programs about specific hydropower plants goes against the grain of informed consumer choice, which is the hallmark of these programs.” The report continues to state that “the lack of transparency undermines the credibility of the utilities, the independent certifying agency, the REC brokers and REC marketers.”

HRC also recommends:

Customers should decline to participate in green-pricing programs that do not disclose the particular hydropower plants that are sourced.
All states require utilities to disclose the individual hydropower project sourced for voluntary green-pricing programs.

Read the full report and the summary of the report.

Another study, also conducted by HRC, has found that a Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program can incentivize construction of new hydropower if the feed-in tariff is technology specific and is based on the cost of a particular facility and return on investment.

A Feed-In Tariff (FIT) is a policy designed to promote the deployment of renewable, electric-power projects by providing assurance to a power producer that a utility will purchase the power at a set price for a set time-period.

Read the report by HRC that looks at FIT provisions in various states and analyzes how they will impact development of hydropower.

John Norris to Join FERC

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:22:57 -0600

The Senate, last Thursday, confirmed John Norris to be the newest member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Norris is currently serving as chief of staff for Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. He served as the chairman of the Iowa Utilities Board from 2005 to 2009. He has also served as a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) where he was the Co-Chair of the 2009 National Electricity Delivery Forum.

There is still one vacant seat at the five-member Commission, after Suedeen Kelly recently left the Commission.

AP: Climate Change Likely to Reduce Hydropower Generation

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:52:51 -0500

Citing a Swiss study, a recent AP article warns that the rapid melting of glaciers due to climate change poses short-term opportunities and long-term risks for hydropower, thereby stressing the need for improving efficiency at existing hydro projects.

Dameffects.org Now in Spanish

Rupak Thapaliya — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:17:58 -0500

The hugely popular dameffects website (www.dameffects.org) is now available in Spanish.Dameffects

HRC collaborated with Colorado State University (USA) and Universidad de Concepción (Chile) to produce the Spanish version.

Visit the Spanish website here.

Commissioner Kelly To Leave FERC

Rupak Thapaliya — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:40:40 -0500

FERC Commissioner Suedeen Kelly will not be seeking a third term at FERC. President Obama had recently nominated Kelly to her third term but her nomination was pending in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Kelly will continue to serve in the Commission until her replacement is chosen.

Currently on her second term, Kelly has been a FERC Commissioner since December 2004. Kelly is a former law professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law and a former chair of the New Mexico Public Service Commission.

FERC and MMS Provide Further Clarification

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:26:54 -0500

Following a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2009, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Minerals Management Services (MMS) have issued a guidance document that clarifies a lot of the process and jurisdictional questions regarding development of hydrokinetic projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Per the MOU, MMS will issue leases for marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) projects in the OCS, while FERC will issue licenses.

This new guidance document is designed to provide information to applicants and stakeholders about the respective responsibilities of each agency and how to best navigate the process of obtaining a hydrokinetic lease and license on the OCS.

Attachment	Size
2009-08-03 MMS-FERC Guidance.pdf	91.31 KB

President Obama Nominates John Norris to FERC Commissioner

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:56:24 -0500

President Obama has nominated John R. Norris, Chief of Staff for Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, to serve as the Commissioner at FERC.

Norris served as the Chairman of Iowa Utilities Board for five years prior to serving as Secretary Vilsack’s Chief of Staff. As a member of National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) he worked on the Electricity Committee and was Co-Chair of the 2009 National Electricity Delivery Forum. Norris has also served as a member of the Demand Response Collaborative between FERC and NARUC.

Norris now has to be confirmed by the Senate.

A press release from White House states the following:

John R. Norris is currently serving as Chief of Staff for Secretary Tom Vilsack at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Prior to joining the USDA, Norris served as Chairman of the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) from 2005 to 2009. As a member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) he worked on the Electricity Committee and was Co-Chair of the 2009 National Electricity Delivery Forum. He served as a Board Member, Secretary and President of the Organization of Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) States as well as Chairman of the MISO Demand Response Working Group. He also was a member of the FERC/NARUC Demand Response Collaborative. Norris was on the Board of Directors of the National Regulatory Research Institute, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Iowa Power Fund and served on the Advisory Councils of the Iowa Energy Center, the Financial Research Institute for the University of Missouri College of Business and the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research at the University of Iowa. In 1999 and 2000 he was Chairman of the Iowa Electric Restructuring Task Force while serving as Chief of Staff for then Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. Norris also worked for U.S. Representative Leonard Boswell (IA-3rd) as Boswell’s Chief of Staff from 1997 to 1998. From 1989 to 2003 he owned and managed a restaurant in Greenfield, Iowa and he was State Director of the Iowa Farm Unity Coalition during the Farm Crisis of the 1980’s. Norris graduated with distinction from the College of Law at the University of Iowa in 1995 and received his undergraduate degree in 1981 from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

FERC and Washington Sign MoU on Development of Hydrokinetic Projects

Rupak Thapaliya — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between FERC and the State of Washington to streamline the regulatory structure for development of hydrokinetic projects in Washington.

Under the MoU, among other things, FERC and Washington will notify each other when one becomes aware of a potential hydrokinetic project in the state and establish a schedule for reviewing and processing applications. The two entities will also coordinate environmental review of any proposed project.

Read the press release issued by FERC and the MoU between the parties.

LIHI Seeks Public Comments on Revised Criteria

Rupak Thapaliya — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:30:50 -0500

The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), a non-profit organization based in Maine, is currently reviewing its certification criteria.

LIHI is also looking for public comments on the revised criteria. The public comment period ends on June 29, 2009.

For more information visit www.lowimpacthydro.org

Hydropower and Washington’s Renewable Energy Goals

Rich Bowers — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:03:14 -0500

I-937 sought to diversity Washington's energy portfolio (hydropower currently produces more than 60% of Washington's electricity) by developing new renewable energy resources that would produce new and sustainable energy, jobs, industries, research, science, investment, and economy here in the State. During the session there were a number of attempts to modify I-937, with the role of hydropower, and hydro's ability to gather renewable tax credits at the center of this discussion. Over the past year, river advocates were faced with fighting back a number of amendments to include new dams, dams under 30 MW, dams under 5 MW, and all dams (new and existing). In the end, neither the House or the Senate could agree on language and the bill died leaving I-937 as Washington law.

Hydropower and Washington's Renewable Energy Goals was produced and distributed by the Coalition's Washington members to offset a number of these pro-dam initiatives. It briefly explains the legislative intent of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) efforts, as well as documenting the potential risk to rivers and watersheds, options for new hydropower but not new dams, climate change, and hydropower role in balancing wind and solar energy transmissions.

I-937 does include as a renewable efficiency upgrades at existing dams, adding hydro to canals and diversions (where it will not result in new diversions or impoundments) and new hydro technologies such as wave and tidal power. Including hyropower as a renewable in these instances is supported by the Coalition both in Washington State and in developing Federal RPS legislation.

Throughout this legislative session, a number of senators and representatives defended the public's original intent for I-937 and stood out a strong advocates of Washington's legacy of rivers. In the lead on river protection was John McCoy, Chair of the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee. Without Representative McCoy's leadership, Washington's rivers could now be facing an onslaught of new, small and highly inefficient dam proposals

Attachment	Size
Hydropower FAQ Final2.pdf	48.86 KB

HRC Position Paper "Low Power, Big Problems" How Low-power Hydropower Dams Hurt Rivers

Rich Bowers — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:25:42 -0500

Even though the available number of potential hydropower sites is limited by geography, and in the US the most viable sites have already been developed, recent dam proposals have sought to take advantage of common misconceptions about hydropower in an attempt to downplay the environmental impact of building a dam. This paper details the environmental footprint of dams, including those described as "small","incremental", "run-of-river" and "micro" hydro projects.

"Small" usually describes the energy capacity of a dam, rather than size. For example, Washington State's 125 foot Condit Dam on the White Salmon is described as a "small" dam, as is the 210 foot Glines Canyon Dam (on the Elwha River also in Washington). Maine's Edwards Dam was 917 feet wide but considered small. All of these have been, or are facing removal due to enviromental and economic concerns.

The paper documents the environmental impacts from dams regardless of size, discusses the problems associated with federal subsidies for new dams, and explores how dams will compound the environmental impacts of climate change.

Attachment	Size
smallhydro_web.pdf	375.62 KB