Assessing Future Hydropower Generation and Potential for Pumped Hydro at Priest Rapids Dam, Columbia River Basin for a Sustainable Water-Energy Nexus

Abstract

Hydropower energy in the US is in transition to modernize with renewables integration to achieve the clean energy goal of 2035. Priest Rapids Dam, in Columbia River Basin, is subjected to coalescence of challenges, viz. climate change impacts, complex water management, and wide array of stakeholders. This chapter analyzed these challenges using a water-energy nexus framework aimed at long-term sustainability of the interdependence of water and energy systems at Priest Rapids. Projected changes in hydropower production indicate increase in annual hydropower generation facilitated by the ubiquitous increase in winter low flows. Integration of a pumped hydro facility relying on high head would assist Priest Rapids in achieving clean energy goal faster. Later, a wide array of stakeholders from the proposed development at the project were identified. Clear and consistent communication with various stakeholder groups would be crucial for long-term sustainability and efficient and just evolution of the water-energy nexus at the Priest Rapids Dam.