Future of Hydropower in Jeopardy Due to Environmental Changes

Hydropower is a crucial component in the global pursuit of clean energy, yet climate change and land-use and land-cover changes present significant challenges to its sustainability. A recent systematic review led by Emmanuel Kekle Ahialey, Professor Amos Tiereyangn Kabo-Bah, and Professor Samuel Gyamfi from the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana, examines the impact of these environmental factors on hydropower production and its future development. Published in Heliyon, this study draws from extensive scholarly sources to analyze the intricate relationship between hydropower, climate change, and changes in land use and land cover​.

The researchers focused on understanding how shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events—such as droughts and floods—affect the availability of water resources essential for hydropower. “Climate change is one of the major threats to consistent hydropower generation,” Ahialey explained. He noted that fluctuations in rainfall, compounded by rising temperatures, create instability in water flows needed for hydropower reservoirs, directly threatening energy production capabilities. Additionally, deforestation, urban expansion, and agricultural activities contribute to changes in land cover, which further impact hydrological cycles and reduce the availability of water​.

One critical finding of this review is the strong correlation between climate-driven variability in streamflow and reduced hydropower potential. The study shows that changes in land use and land cover alone can disrupt natural water availability, but when combined with climate change, the effects are exacerbated. For instance, regions that experience deforestation tend to have diminished soil moisture retention, which disrupts groundwater recharge and leads to irregular streamflow. This phenomenon is especially prominent in tropical regions where extensive forest cover loss has been documented. Additionally, the study highlights that extreme climatic events have been intensifying, particularly in regions prone to seasonal droughts, which pose heightened risks to hydropower reliability​.

Urbanization also emerged as a crucial factor affecting hydropower, as the transformation of natural landscapes into urban environments leads to increased runoff and reduced water absorption by the soil. This reduces the stability of streamflows needed for efficient hydropower production. In the study, Ahialey and colleagues emphasized the role of these factors in shaping the future of sustainable hydropower development, suggesting that without addressing climate change and managing land-use changes, the growth of hydropower infrastructure may face substantial hurdles.

In summary, the researchers conclude that achieving sustainable hydropower in a changing climate demands a nuanced approach, addressing both climate adaptation and sustainable land management. Policies that encourage reforestation, regulate urban expansion near river basins, and anticipate future climate scenarios could mitigate some adverse impacts on hydropower production. This research serves as a timely reminder of the interconnectedness of climate, land use, and energy, urging further investigations and policy adjustments to support hydropower as a resilient clean energy source in the years to come​.