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Reservoirs and pump using renewable power would offset that somewhat. Particularly you site the pumps near the renewable and they wouldn't necessarily need to
by noir_lord 5y ago
Reservoirs and pump using renewable power would offset that somewhat.
Particularly you site the pumps near the renewable and they wouldn't necessarily need to be "on grid".
- PaulDavisThe1st 5y agoThe energy required to pump water UP to the elevations of much of the southwest is astronomical. Huge parts of it are at 5000-7000', so even if you manage to avoid actual mountains, you still have a huge lift from either the coast or the Missouri/Missippii rivers. I have no doubt that there would be ways to move some water in such a manner, but not much.
- 01100011 5y agoIf you bring water in from the rest of the US and supply the regions which depend on the water flowing down from the mountains you allow the high altitude regions to retain more of their water. Sure, that means you generate less hydropower in the downriver dams, but overall I think it's a wash(pun intended).