Rebounding from Historic Lows
Following a period of relative stagnancy, the US hydropower sector is on the brink of an upswing, as suggested by projections from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). If the forecasts hold true, the nation will witness a 6% increase in hydropower electricity generation in 2024, effectively bouncing back from a notably low yield not seen since the early 2000s. This resurgence could translate to roughly 250 billion kilowatt-hours of hydropower-generated electricity, which would have critical implications for the country’s energy mix and environmental impacts.
This positive trend is expected to unfold across nearly all regions within the United States, with particular improvements forecast for the Southeast and the Northwest and Rockies. The latter, a hydropower stronghold, despite experiencing a production dip due to the previous year’s heatwave resulting in an accelerated snowpack melt, is now poised for a modest 3% increase in output. The region holds optimistic expectations for hydropower generation, particularly with the forecast of normal to above-normal water supplies in some localized areas.
Regional Hydropower Dynamics
In the Southeast, home to states such as Alabama and Tennessee, hydropower is poised for a boost, representing a 5% share in their energy mix. This complements the new nuclear power from Vogtle Unit 4 and increased natural gas output, signaling a shift away from coal. This move toward cleaner energy sources aligns with regional growth trends in renewable power.
California, a leader in green energy policies, maintains its hydropower strength thanks to a wet year filling reservoirs and a substantial Sierra Nevada snowpack. The state continues to champion renewables, expecting solar and wind to grow significantly. As depicted by the EIA’s insights, the bigger picture reflects a nationwide pivot to a renewable-led energy landscape, reducing historic reliance on coal and underscoring environmental progress.
