Sofia + 35 SP June 28, 2019 Renewable energy production surpassed coal-fired generation for the first time in the U.S., according to the latest figures from the U.S. EIA. Sources like wind and solar energy provided 23 percent of America’s electricity in April, compared to 20 percent from coal. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/renewable-energy-electricity-surpasses-coal-in-us-for-the-first-time/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douglas Buckland + 6,308 June 28, 2019 Can somebody tell me why the issue of 'silting up' behind dams for hydro-electric power is never mentioned anymore? Has a 'fix' been discovered? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickW + 2,714 NW July 1, 2019 On 6/28/2019 at 2:52 AM, Douglas Buckland said: Can somebody tell me why the issue of 'silting up' behind dams for hydro-electric power is never mentioned anymore? Has a 'fix' been discovered? Dredging. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douglas Buckland + 6,308 July 2, 2019 Seriously? What are you going to do with the dredged silt? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douglas Buckland + 6,308 July 2, 2019 5 hours ago, NickW said: Dredging. https://www.scientificbulletin.upb.ro/rev_docs_arhiva/full3f0_572892.pdf so I'm assuming long term hydroelectric projects are not free and are only 'renewable' with significant human intervention. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickW + 2,714 NW July 2, 2019 7 hours ago, Douglas Buckland said: Seriously? What are you going to do with the dredged silt? Spread it on fields, land reclamation* * Mudchute London https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudchute_Park_and_Farm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickW + 2,714 NW July 2, 2019 6 hours ago, Douglas Buckland said: https://www.scientificbulletin.upb.ro/rev_docs_arhiva/full3f0_572892.pdf so I'm assuming long term hydroelectric projects are not free and are only 'renewable' with significant human intervention. Well yes - I am not aware that hydroelectric dams, or indeed wind turbines or solar panels self replicate and maintain themselves - this does require human intervention. The 'renewable' bit comes from the premise that the fuel source is renewable not finite. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douglas Buckland + 6,308 July 2, 2019 Perhaps you are correct. The difference between solar, wind and hydro is that your energy source with hydro causes it's own demise. Without human intervention the fuel source would defeat itself by carrying silt to the reservoir. Theoretically solar and wind do not have this issue. You are not spending money to ensure the fuel source. As you say, the equipment and machinery required to turn any renewable energy source into electricity will need to be serviced and maintained. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douglas Buckland + 6,308 July 2, 2019 4 hours ago, NickW said: Spread it on fields, land reclamation* * Mudchute London https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudchute_Park_and_Farm http://theconversation.com/hydropower-dams-can-harm-coastal-areas-far-downstream-114171 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickW + 2,714 NW July 2, 2019 7 hours ago, Douglas Buckland said: http://theconversation.com/hydropower-dams-can-harm-coastal-areas-far-downstream-114171 No one claims Hydro Electric dams are without some consequences but the issues can be managed and are covered in that article. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill the Science Nerd + 73 WM July 3, 2019 Nice. It looks like market forces are kicking in to kick fossil fuels to the curb. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites