Hydropower - responsible renewable energy development

The need for new renewable energy resources, the pressure to meet increasing demand for electricity, and the desire to stimulate local economies and jobs are just a few of the drivers for renewed interest in hydropower development. New resource assessments demonstrate that hydropower (including conventional, off-river pumped storage and hydrokinetic technologies) have the capability to double the industry's existing contribution to the nation's electricity supply and create thousands of new jobs. Much of this potential involves maximizing existing infrastructure (upgrades to existing facilities, building on non-powered dams) and new technologies that do not require new river impoundments. There are numerous opportunities to utilize the existing federal and non-federal infrastructure in an environmentally friendly way.  Also, there are many ways in which government and industry can partner to support this growth. Many in the conservation community are supportive of incremental hydropower development.  Hydropower is being developed responsibly and will be key to meeting renewable energy goals and standards.