Last summer, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) announced plans to turn the Hoover Dam into a source of renewable energy. Through this $3 billion initiative, a new pump station and pipeline would be built downstream to regulate flow through electric generators. The water would then cycle back to the top of the dam, creating electricity.
This electricity would be provided during times of peak demand. In effect, the dam would serve as a huge battery, reducing reliance on lithium-ion batteries that are employed to store power.
The LADWP says harnessing Hoover Dam energy in this way would allow for increased productivity; currently, the dam is operating at just 20% of its potential to prevent the risk of too much water flowing at once and flooding areas downstream. Some experts say the new project could increase productivity by up to 45%.
California has a great surplus of solar and wind energy, which can be harnessed to power the pump station, sending water up to the reservoir for later use.
Possible Impacts on Environment and Tourism
While the prospect of being able to harness renewable Hoover Dam energy has excited many, some are expressing concern over possible impacts on the environment and tourism.
The new pipeline would inevitably change the landscape. And, if water is drawn from the river in certain areas without proper analysis and oversight of the resulting water depth, marine life could be affected. Other concerns include the impact on bighorn sheep, which roam in the area below the dam; areas used for drinking water; and the possibility of impaired flow downstream.
However, initial feasibility tests have shown that any effect on both the environment and the surrounding communities would be minimal. The project must still be approved by the Bureau of Reclamation, however, as the dam is located on federal land. If approved by the bureau, the National Park Service must also review the plans for any scientific, environmental, and aesthetic impact on the downstream area.
The goal is to keep the new pumping project mostly invisible to the public, which will require sophisticated engineering and planning.
Hoover Dam Renewable Energy: Looking Ahead
The proposal to turn the Hoover Dam into a source of renewable energy has been met with a mix of excitement and concern. The public and experts alike will be keeping an eye on the progress of this new initiative.
This article was originally written in 2018 by Helen Carey, and was updated by Carey in 2019.