Dams, the Climate Damagers

Entire valleys have been flooded to create these reservoirs with an enormous impact on the local, and even regional, environment. Dams and reservoirs disrupt river ecosystems and surrounding habitats. Reservoirs emit carbon dioxide and methane, sometimes in substantial amounts. Also, accumulated sediments in reservoirs contain noticeable levels of carbon, which may be released to the atmo- sphere when the dam is decommissioned. Restoring the natural environment is a complex process. Dam removal requires more than simply taking away the old structures. It must include restoration of the local environment, such as river channels, as well as the reintroduction of native species. The goal isn’t only to restore the river’s natural flow, it is to restore the ecosystem.

Decentralized Power Grid

In a centralized system power is generated at a major central station, a nuclear power plant for example, and then transmitted long distances over the power lines. Inevitably, some is lost along the way. Transformers, transmission lines, and local distribution losses are generally between 8 and 15%. In decentralized or distributive generation systems, electricity is generated closer to the point of consumption. There is less waste since there are fewer transmission and distribution losses.

Renewable energy sources, like wind turbines and solar panels, are particularly suitable for small scale usage, especially if the local grid includes storage batteries. Excess energy can be stored in batteries or transferred to other areas experiencing a shortfall. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the power generation technology that best meets their needs, and to adjust their energy mix as their needs change.

There are many advantages to a decentralized power grid. If there is a malfunction of one part of the grid, then it is relatively easy for operators to shift production. Other components take up the slack then while the damaged sections are being repaired or replaced. The same is true for cases of deliberate sabotage like that recently experienced in several American states.

A decentralized power grid can combine many forms: wind turbines, hydroelectric, solar, etc. None of these are sufficient on their own. But together they can form a system that does produce enough electricity to meet human needs. Of course, like all systems, distributed generation systems require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure reliable and efficient operation. Between maintenance and capacity upgrades, there is an ongoing need to invest in our existing power grid. But a decentralized system spreads and defrays those costs significantly.