As President Donald Trump’s administration pivots away from the clean energy industry, demand for hydropower, or energy generated from water, is seeing an unexpected surge according to recent reports. This renewable energy source, while not technically new, is receiving renewed interest as the current government reduces its support for other clean energy initiatives.
Hydropower is among the oldest means of energy production. The use of water to generate power dates back to ancient times, and in modern times, it represents a significant portion of the global renewable energy production. However, its popularity has waned in previous years due to concerns surrounding ecological impact and the rise of other renewable energy technologies like solar and wind.
However, the changing political climate seems to have reignited interest in hydropower. Much of this shift can be attributed to the Trump administration’s rollbacks on clean energy, which have led to a downturn for many renewable energy sources like wind and solar, often seen as more sustainable alternatives.
The Trump administration had promised to prioritize fossil fuels over renewable energy sources, ushering a shift in the energy sector. Last year, the administration removed the requirement for federal agencies to consider climate change when making decisions about infrastructure. These changes are believed to have sparked the renewed interest in hydropower as a viable, more protected renewable energy source under the current regime.
According to a report published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States has seen a slight increase in hydropower generation. Despite being overshadowed by other forms of renewable energy, data indicated that hydropower made up nearly 7% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation and about 38% of total utility-scale electricity generation from all renewable energy in 2020.
“Despite the strides made in wind and solar power, hydropower still plays a significant and stabilizing role in the U.S. energy portfolio,” said Andrew Mills, a research scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, who has been tracking this sector.
Environmental Conservation experts, however, caution against unabated growth. They are raising concerns about potential harm to local ecosystems. The construction of new hydroelectric dams can drastically alter aquatic environments and nearby lands, disrupt local communities, and even contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
“Proper assessment, planning, and ecological considerations need to be weighed against the advantages,” said John Waldman, a professor of biology at Queens College, New York. “We must ensure that our quest for renewable energy supply does not inadvertently harm the very environment it aims to protect.”
Nevertheless, the shift towards hydropower represents an interesting development in the ongoing debate about America’s energy future. As President Trump walks back commitments to other forms of clean energy, exploring other renewable sources like hydropower could be essential in moving towards a more sustainable paradigm.
As the nation awaits the next phase in its energy evolution, hydropower stands as a testament to the power of adaptability, having remained a relevant source of renewable energy amid various shifts in policy and preferences. Despite the challenges and controversies, it’s clear that the clamor for cleaner energy sources will continue, and that hydropower, in all its potential and pitfall, will have a role to play.
Original Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/30/hydropower-great-lakes-clean-energy
