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.
Your support helps inform the world’s most important decisions about water and all that it touches.
In Arizona, top water policy officials gathered to discuss extending a drought emergency declaration, citing minimal precipitation, low reservoirs, and record-high temperatures.
Author's summary: Solar power helps mitigate hydropower declines.
- Lakes Mead and Powell are nearing critical thresholds for hydropower generation.
- Utilities are shifting to solar power due to declining hydropower output.
- Arizona officials are assessing water policies amidst rising temperatures.