The Relationship Between Renewables

The Northwest: A Leader in Clean Energy

The Northwest leads the nation in renewable energy, with over 50% of the region’s power coming from clean, carbon-free sources. While figures fluctuate yearly, hydropower remains the dominant renewable resource in our energy portfolio.

Visit the Northwest Power and Conservation Council website to learn more.

As climate concerns grow, so does the need for renewable energy. Many Northwest cities and states have set ambitious clean energy goals, aiming for a 100% carbon-free energy supply by 2040 or 2045.

Hydropower: The Backbone of Our Renewable Future

Fortunately, hydropower is playing a crucial role in the transition to a greener future. Unlike other renewables, hydropower is not intermittent, making it a reliable energy source to support our evolving grid.

The Challenge of Intermittency: Wind & Solar

Wind and solar power are essential and rapidly expanding energy sources in the Northwest. However, their energy production depends on natural conditions—wind must blow, and the sun must shine. This variability can create grid stability challenges. If supply and demand are not balanced, power shortages and blackouts may occur.

Hydropower: The Perfect Balancing Partner

Hydroelectric dams provide a crucial solution to renewable intermittency. These dams can quickly adjust energy output, releasing water into turbines when additional power is needed and holding it back when the supply is sufficient. This balancing ability helps maintain a stable, carbon-free energy grid.

Visit The Impact of Climate Change on Hydropower page to explore hydropower’s future role.

Expanding Renewables While Protecting Wildlife

By leveraging hydropower, the Northwest has been able to accelerate the adoption of wind and solar power while maintaining grid reliability. This has also allowed the region to take proactive steps in addressing climate change and protecting endangered species such as orcas and salmon.

Reliable & Affordable Energy for the Northwest

Thanks to our long-standing hydroelectric infrastructure, the Northwest has been able to add thousands of megawatts of renewable energy at a relatively low cost. As a result, Northwestern states continue to enjoy some of the lowest electricity prices in the nation.

Visit our Hydro 101 page to learn more about hydropower’s benefits.

The Bottom Line

  • Hydropower generates half of the Northwest’s energy each year and represents the majority of our carbon-free electricity.
  • Wind and solar energy are growing but require backup solutions due to their fluctuating output.
  • Hydroelectric dams play a critical role in balancing wind and solar variability.
  • The combination of hydropower with wind and solar has enabled the Northwest to expand renewables in a low-cost, carbon-free way.

With hydropower, solar, and wind working together, the future of carbon-free energy in the Northwest is bright.