ADDRESSING THE ENERGY DEFICIT
We present seven alternatives for offsetting the energy deficit that would be created by decommissioning Conowingo: anaerobic digestion, geothermal, waste-to-energy, nuclear upgrades, wind, solar and relocated hydropower options. Locally generated power could offset the loss of the dam’s energy production with lower-than-peak replacement generation, providing reliable power with less transmission and distribution losses. An “all-of-the-above” strategy offers hope for implementation of multiple smaller (2 to 50 MW) projects in locations that are closer to consumer energy markets, especially if coupled with energy efficiency incentives programs. Committing to these options would create the opportunity for green jobs and more than compensate for lost tax revenue in the region.
· The city of Baltimore is currently investing in solar rebate programs as incentives for individual households and businesses to purchase rooftop PV panels. This is part of their renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to utilize renewable energy sources for 25% of their total energy demand by 2020.
· According to PennFuture, the existing 24 wind farms in Pennsylvania produce only 1/3 of the wind energy potential for the state (4,000 MW), which could power 1,168,000 homes. |
· A case study of a 40 MW waste-to-energy plant in Jamesville, NY produces 213,685 MWh/year of electricity from combustion of landfill and biomass materials.
· Biogas production using crop residues and manure from swine and dairy farms by means of anaerobic digesters has the capacity to be developed in rural areas of the watershed. To date in the state of Pennsylvania there are 10 existing anaerobic digesters, with the capacity to produce 2,380 KWh. |
· Additionally, there is growing interest in emerging green energy technologies such as “micro-hydro” – the use of small-scale turbines embedded in pipe systems within wastewater and sewage treatment facilities.