National Hydropower Association

The second day of Clean Currents kicked off with a tour of US Army Corps of Engineers’ Bonneville Lock and Dam. This incredible facility was constructed in the 1930s as a New Deal project to provide energy to an emerging region of the country, while its luxury Art Deco flourishes also sent a signal to America’s allies and adversaries alike that our nation was on the grow and overcoming the Great Depression. Today, it continues to create clean power for the Pacific Northwest while making strides to do it even more sustainably. That’s evident by the sophisticated and thoughtful fish passage infrastructure that’s helping to grow local populations. This iconic and beautiful place stands as a testament to America’s hydropower heritage and a story of innovation that’s still being written.

National Hydropower Association is honored to have helped build the DEI Pathway Forward - a powerful, comprehensive suite of tools, resources, and templates to benefit all water power organizations, helping them take concrete actions and improve DEIA within the workplace. Today, at NHA's #CleanCurrents in Portland, Oregon, attendees have the opportunity to hear from Chris Nichols, Executive Director of Renewables Forward, who will be leading a session about the launch of the #DEI Pathway Forward! The workshop is an active training in how to use these FREE tools to advance an organization's DEI maturity. Any organization at any stage of maturity can use the DEI Pathway Forward to create action plans that work for them. The Pathway Forward will help organizations establish leadership imperatives, attract new talent, build inclusive teams, engage with communities, and measure progress. To learn more about the DEI Pathway Forward Framework, visit renewablesforward.org!

?? New NREL Tool for Pumped Storage Hydropower Emissions NREL has launched a first-of-its-kind tool to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) facilities, a key player in balancing renewable energy like wind and solar. ?? PSH generates and stores electricity, but minimizing its carbon footprint is critical. NREL’s tool helps users compare emissions based on site-specific factors like materials and grid energy use. It’s designed to guide developers in reducing GHGs and optimizing PSH for a cleaner energy future. Access the tool to see how PSH can help reduce emissions. https://lnkd.in/eY2t7sJJ #CleanEnergy #Hydropower #PSH #Sustainability #Renewables #ClimateAction #NREL #GreenTech

What would #CleanCurrents be without amazing tours? Yesterday, 30 attendees had the opportunity to take part in the "Irrigation Meets Small Hydro Tour," which was hosted by East Fork Irrigation District, Farmers Conservation Alliance, and Farmers Irrigation District, and was led by Jed Jorgensen, an advisor at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The trip aimed at a spotlight on the innovative irrigation canals supplying water to Oregon's Hood River Valley, and it featured a look into irrigation canals modernized to include piping, which creates opportunities to save water, energy, and - with the installation of #ConduitHydro - generate #renewable electricity! Additionally, a group of 50 participants took part in the "Cowlitz River Tour," which was made possible by Tacoma Power. The focus of this tour was Tacoma Power's Cowlitz River Project, the largest of Tacoma's fleet, which consists of Mayfield Dam and Mossyrock Dam. Combined, the nameplate capacity of the two projects is 462 MW, and each year they produce enough #hydroelectric energy to serve more than 151,000 Washington homes. In addition to the two #hydropower projects, the Cowlitz River Project encompasses a robust fisheries program, which includes Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Cowlitz Trout Hatchery! This morning, another group of Clean Currents attendees will tour Bonneville Lock and Dam, and we're excited to hear their stories and see their photos! #cleancurrents2024

Clean Currents has arrived in Portland, Oregon! While the Oregon Convention Center is getting prepared to welcome the nearly 2,000 registrants, the attendees who arrived early are already jumping into the festivities. This morning, more than 50(!) cyclists and water power enthusiasts gathered for a group ride down to Oregon City, hugging the Willamette and Clackamas rivers, before reaching a stunning overlook of Portland General Electric's T.W. Sullivan Hydroelectric Project. Thank you to Kleinschmidt Associates for providing incredible jersey's for the ride! In the afternoon, students and companies alike took part in a #CleanEnergy career expo at Portland State University, where university students learned about the many promising careers in #WaterPower. Hydropower Foundation, who organized the career fair, understands the importance of developing the future water power workforce, and events such as the expo shine a necessary spotlight on bountiful opportunities for graduating students.

Clean Currents 2024 is here! Check out the full schedule for the first day: https://lnkd.in/enZyTjbq #HerefortheHydro #CC24 #CleanCurrents2024

Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from William Shallenberger of PacifiCorp, a veteran of the hydropower industry! With 28+ years of expertise, he takes us into the world of Clean Currents. Engage in conversations and make a splash at #CleanCurrents2024! #Hydropower #HerefortheHydro #CC24 #InspiringInnovations

Live from Clean Currents 2024 in Portland, Oregon! ?? Join us on the CC Central floor next week with Brett Parker from Sumitomo Drive Technologies USA!

Get ready for #CleanCurrents2024: a hub of knowledge and conversation for all things hydropower. Hear from four federal utility executives in the panel discussion: "Marketing Federal Hydropower: The Good, The Bad and The Not So Ugly." See our detailed program schedule and register here: https://lnkd.in/enZyTjbq #HerefortheHydro #CC24 #Hydropower

I knew that President Jimmy Carter installed 32 solar panels on the White House and wore a Mr. Rogers-like sweater, but I'd forgotten that he helped create DOE (in 1977), called energy independence "the moral equivalent of war," and enacted numerous laws to advance what was then "alternative energy." As President Carter celebrates his 100th birthday, let me share this quick article about his legacy as a clean energy champion.