Hydropower

In New England, Canadian hydropower has slowed to an ominous trickle

Whether due to drought, prices, or politics, the weekslong disappearance of Canadian hydropower from New England’s grid exposes risks for the region.

By Sarah Shemkus . 31 March 2025

Roads leading to equipment and wires at a hydroelectric dam in a forest. — Hydro‑Québec's Romaine-1 hydroelectric dam in Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec. (Lars Hagberg/AFP via Getty Images)

Hydropower

Hydropower out of whack thanks to record heat and precipitation

In California, hydropower output is expected to double this year. But in the hydro-dependent Northwest, abnormal heat could cause it to shrink by 19%.

By Julian Spector . 5 October 2023
Transmission

Clean energy transmission line in New England gets go-ahead from jury

The new wires will deliver cheap Canadian hydropower to a region still dependent on gas and oil.

By Jake Bittle . 3 May 2023
Podcast

How to build more hydropower

Adding terawatts of hydropower capacity doesn’t have to increase ecosystem impacts.

Play

By Lara Pierpont . 55 min . 20 April 2023
Fun stuff

Canary Live Boston: Watch the event on Thurs., April 6 at 6:00 PM ET

We're broadcasting our event live from Greentown Labs in Somerville, Mass. this week.

By Nicholas Rinaldi . 5 April 2023
Hydropower

Giant 1GW pumped-hydro energy storage project enters final review

Planned for White Pine County, Nevada by developer rPlus, it would be one of the first large-scale pumped-hydro projects built in the U.S. in decades.

By Julian Spector . 8 March 2023
Podcast

How can we avert water wars as we decarbonize?

Michael Webber on the best ways to avoid replacing a carbon problem with a water problem.

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By Shayle Kann . 42 min . 15 September 2022
Long-duration energy storage

Pumped hydro grid storage could be poised for a comeback

Look out, high-concept battery tech: Water and gravity may be on the brink of a resurgence.

By Julian Spector . 25 January 2022
Energy storage

Latin America’s energy storage leader is getting creative

Thermal storage, compressed air and more novel options are on the table in Chile.

By Jason Deign . 21 July 2021
Grid edge

Demand response hasn't taken off in the Pacific Northwest. Will a massive heat wave change that?

Climate change, summer peaks and clean energy mandates push a hydropower-rich region to take another look at behind-the-meter flexibility.

By Jeff St. John . 2 July 2021
Climatetech finance

7 cleantech segments beyond wind and solar that are luring investors

Investing in wind and solar is all the rage. But what other cleantech categories are catching the eye of investors in 2021?

By Jason Deign . 21 June 2021