Providing balanced information for using water as a renewable energy resource in the Northwest
By Becky Kramer Spokesman Review Idaho residents have relatively small carbon footprints because most of their electricity comes from hydropower, a new study says. Idaho’s rivers generate 80 percent of the electricity used in the state. As a result,…
By Kristi Pihl Tri-City Herald An irrigation canal in Franklin County may become the site of the first power plant in the nation to use a new hydroelectric power technology. Percheron Power of Kennewick hopes to build a small…
By Staff Power Engineering Magazine A bill that would significantly increase hydropower spending in the 2012 Fiscal Year has gained congressional and presidential approval. The bill, which combines nine spending bills and has gained bipartisan support, provides US$59…
By Associated Press Wenatchee World SEATTLE (AP) — Large utilities in Washington state will soon have to get at least part of their power from new renewable sources like wind and solar. But with a voter-mandated 2012 deadline…
By Becky Kramer Spokesman Review One of the conundrums of wind energy is that the wind doesn’t blow constantly. In the Northwest, most wind farms operate at about 30 percent capacity, which means backup electrical generation is needed….
By Associated Press The Wenatchee World PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Federal regulators on Wednesday ruled in favor of Northwest wind power generators who objected to being ordered to shut down at times this spring when the Columbia River…
By Becky Kramer Spokesman Review Lake Pend Oreille’s water levels will fluctuate by as much as 5 feet this winter, allowing federal agencies more flexibility in managing electricity generation throughout the Columbia River hydropower system. The Bonneville Power…
By Linda Mapes The Seattle Times With a massive charge of TNT detonated at the base of Condit Dam, the White Salmon River roared back to life Wednesday, Penned up and drowned under a reservoir since the 125-foot-tall…
By Bill Sheets The Daily Herald EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — This winter, a little more of the power flowing into Snohomish County homes will be locally grown. The Snohomish County Public Utility District has officially opened its new…
By Scott Learn The Oregonian DETROIT DAM – If you don’t like heights, this dam’s walkways are not for you, with winds that make you wobble and a 469-foot concrete-lined drop downriver. Detroit, like the other dams wedged…