WEAI/AERE 2009 - Individual Paper Abstract
Title: Small Hydropower's Potential in the Fight Against Global Warming: A Benefit-Cost Analysis
Author(s): Lea Kosnik, Department of Economics, University of Missouri-St. Louis, One University Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63121, phone: (314) 516-5564, fax: (314) 516-5352, email: kosnikl@umsl.edu (picture credit: Lea Kosnik)
Abstract:
This benefit-cost analysis considers how, and to what degree, "small" hydropower facilities can aid in the fight against global warming. 275,000 MW of developable small hydropower capacity is currently available in the U.S.--translated into emissions saved, this would result in at least an 8.5 % reduction in current U.S. carbon emissions. Just because a site has the necessary topographical features to allow small hydropower development, however, does not mean that development should be pursued. Preliminary results from this benefit-cost analysis are that while the costs are not always small, the relative benefits of developing many small hydropower sites are often much larger than expected. Once externalities such as reliability, energy efficiency, and domestic energy security are taken into account, small hydropower development, in many regions across the U.S., appears to be cost-effective.