Hydroelectric power in California
The hydroelectric power potential of California was examined and the problems related to the development of that potential reviewed. The generating capacity of 173 existing conventional hydro power plants is 8500 MWe. Conventional hydroelectric power development is expected to add between 0.2 and 0.4 quads (20 x 10/sup 9/ to 40 x 10/sup 9/ kWh) per year to the current hydroelectric supply of 0.3 quads. The upper limit of 0.4 quads appears to be close to the maximum remaining-to-be-developed hydroelectric potential in the state, thus bringing the California total potential to 0.7 quads. It is anticipated that within the next 20 years at least half of that undeveloped conventional potential will be or can become cost-benefit favorable for development. The pumped storage potential of the state has an upper limit of 6.5 quads, all undeveloped. It is anticipated that development of the pumped storage potential of the state will follow simultaneous and parallel development of other renewable resources, notably wind. Relatively small development, less than 0.3 and even 0.15 quads, or 7000 and 3000 MWe respectively, of pumped storage associated with the water supply, and fossil and nuclear power generation probably will continue throughout the remainder of this century. The attendant water and land requirements for the full development of the 6.5 quads of the pumped storage potential, do not pose any strain on the natural resources of the state since they constitute only 1.0% of the annual rainfall and 0.1% of the land of California. Finally, hydroelectric development entails, in most cases, changes in the environment. Past experience, however, has proven that responsible study, planning, and execution of any hydroelectric project always leads to results beneficial to both nature and humanity. (LCL)
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6620659
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-9628
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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25 ENERGY STORAGE
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
CALIFORNIA
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
LOW-HEAD HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
PUMPED STORAGE POWER PLANTS
CAPACITY
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
POWER POTENTIAL
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WATER RESOURCES
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