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 receiving federal hydropower from Colorado River dams are turning to solar power as a result.
The standard indicators – minimal precipitation, low reservoirs, the second-hottest 12-month period on record – were not encouraging.
In Arizona, top water policy officials are assessing water policies under rising temperatures, considering an extension of a longstanding drought emergency declaration.
Support is crucial in informing the world’s most important decisions about water and its impact.
Author's summary: Solar power helps offset hydropower declines.