Climate Change Threatens Hydropower, Raising Costs for Western Grid Decarbonization

A new study projects a $150 billion price increase to meet 2050 zero-emission goals due to reduced water availability and rising electricity demand.

Hydropower generation in the U.S. West could decline by up to 23% by 2050 due to climate-driven changes in water availability, such as reduced snowpack and shifting rainfall patterns.
Electricity demand is expected to rise by 2%, driven by increased cooling needs in hotter summers, particularly in the Southwest, compounding grid challenges.
To compensate for hydropower shortfalls, up to 139 gigawatts of new power capacity and 13 gigawatts of transmission capacity may be required, costing an estimated $150 billion.
Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, and battery storage will play a critical role in offsetting hydropower losses, depending on the severity of climate scenarios.
Researchers emphasize the need for grid planners to account for water-energy interdependencies and climate impacts to ensure grid reliability and achieve decarbonization goals.