In a recent development, the Biden administration, in concert with environmental groups and Native American tribes, has set in motion a plan that could lead to the removal of four hydroelectric dams in Washington state. This decision, ostensibly made to protect salmon populations, raises significant concerns about the stability and reliability of the western power grid, particularly in terms of grid inertia and energy supply.
The White House, in coordination with Native American tribes and environmental groups, announced actions Thursday that provide a pathway for breaching, or removing, four hydroelectric dams in Washington state to protect salmon.
As part of the announcement, the federal government entered into a legal agreement with the Pacific Northwest tribes and environmental organizations filed earlier in the day in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Under that agreement, the tribes and eco groups — which had sued the federal government in an effort to forcibly breach the dams — agreed to stay the litigation through 2028.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-creates-pathway-eco-groups-shutter-energy-source-serving-millions-americans
Understanding Grid Inertia and Stability
Grid inertia is a critical aspect of power system stability. It refers to the resistance of the electrical grid to changes in frequency, which is essential for maintaining a steady and reliable power supply. Traditional power sources like coal, gas, and hydroelectric dams contribute significantly to grid inertia due to their large rotating generators. These generators store kinetic energy, which acts as a buffer against sudden changes in power supply or demand, thereby stabilizing the grid.
The initiative explicitly recommends that dams are breached within two fish generations, or approximately eight years. While there isn’t an explicit plan to breach the dams — an action that the White House has acknowledged would require congressional approval — the agreement does include commitments to begin replacing the services provided by the dams.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-creates-pathway-eco-groups-shutter-energy-source-serving-millions-americans
And opposition to this extra legal back door deal is growing.
“Congress — and Congress alone — can authorize removal of the dams on the lower Snake River. Bureaucrats, activist litigation, nor this administration’s radical agenda will determine the fate of any of the Northwest’s federal dams,” Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“This litigation effort was useless: It occurred behind closed doors, between two parties who wanted the same end result — to tear out our dams, and it completely excluded Idahoans who rely on the River System for its energy, transportation, agriculture and recreation benefits,” he continued. “I will continue to fight any breaching efforts, and, at every turn, I will reject the Biden administration’s efforts to usurp Congressional authority.”
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-creates-pathway-eco-groups-shutter-energy-source-serving-millions-americans
The hydroelectric dams in question are not just sources of renewable energy; they are also vital contributors to grid inertia. Their removal, as proposed in the Biden administration’s plan, poses a direct threat to the stability of the western power grid. The dams currently provide about 8% of Washington state’s electricity and have a total capacity of 3,000 megawatts. This is not just about losing a significant chunk of power supply; it’s about eroding the grid’s ability to withstand and quickly recover from power disturbances.
A grid with reduced inertia is more susceptible to fluctuations in power frequency, which can lead to blackouts and other reliability issues. As we transition to more renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which do not inherently provide inertia, the importance of maintaining other sources of inertia, such as hydroelectric power, becomes even more critical. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has highlighted the evolving role of inertia in maintaining grid reliability, especially as the energy mix changes (NREL).
The Irony of Green Energy Initiatives
The irony in this scenario is palpable. While the intention to protect salmon runs has some merit, the removal of these dams could lead to increased reliance on fossil fuels to compensate for the lost power and grid stability. This move could inadvertently result in higher carbon emissions, as replacing hydropower with natural gas generation would increase carbon emissions by up to 2.6 million metric tons per year.
The Agricultural and Economic Impact
Apart from the electrical implications, there’s also the agricultural angle. The dams facilitate the transportation of about 60% of Washington’s annual wheat exports via barges. Removing them could disrupt this supply chain, impacting both local and national agricultural markets.
In light of these considerations, it is imperative that decisions affecting our power infrastructure be made with a full understanding of their implications on grid stability, energy supply, and the broader environment. While the protection of salmon populations is important, it needs to balanced with the expense of grid reliability and the broader ecological and economic stability.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s plan to remove these hydroelectric dams is a short-sighted approach that overlooks the broader implications on grid stability, energy supply, and environmental impact. A more balanced approach that considers all these factors is crucial for ensuring a stable, reliable, energy future.
