USA: Oregon, Washington, Idaho: Hydroelectric Dams on Snake and Columbia Rivers can be Replaced by Geothermal Energy and other Renewables

Reliable and affordable clean energy options that help restore salmon and protect the environment (The NW Energy Coalition)

Geothermal Resource Potential Map of Washington
State shows the considerable potential for a clean,
dependable baseload alternative to hydropower on the
Snake and Columbia Rivers.

Wild salmon and orca whales are threatened with extinction owing partly to the presence of four hydroelectric dams on the lower Snake River in Washington.  The dams create an impediment to fish migration and worsen the warming of river water, which also inhibits migration. As a result, salmon populations have declined by more than 90%.  One solution that would give salmon a fighting chance, is the removal of the dams.

This study was undertaken to investigate the technical feasibility and cost of replacing the power and energy services provided by the four Lower Snake River Dams with a portfolio of clean and renewable resources that support a reliable and adequate regional power system while minimizing increases to greenhouse gas emissions.

The region can remove the four Lower Snake River Dams and replace the power they provide with a portfolio of conservation and renewable energy resources while maintaining grid and transmission reliability at levels equal to or better than the current system and with little or no increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

The Lower Snake River Dams Power Replacement Study - The NW Energy Coalition

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