Myth: Hydropower does not quality as renewable energy because it leaves rivers in poor health

In policy debates, the word "renewable" is sometimes attached to technologies we like and denied those we don't like. This is poor basis for decision making. For years there has been an accepted definition of "renewable energy" - a fuel source that is not depleted in the production of energy. Wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydro all meet that definition.

Powered by the sun, the hydrologic cycle, which re-charges rivers, is essentially infinite. Hydropower converts falling water into electricity without using more water than is produced by nature. Hence, by definition hydropower is renewable.

If the concern is about the river's health, then the debates should be on the river's health and not on rhetorical arguments. Hydropower has the ability to enhance or detract from a river's health. The best ways to address policy issues is to talk about impacts, positive and negative, and about mitigation.

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