Are hydro dams still a potential source of green energy?

[Throck]

I look at the Niagara Falls, Hoover Dam and TVGA hydro projects. Is there any potential for hydro dam electric in the future? In some areas dams serve a parallel use as flood control. I am aware that improper application of some dams does screw up local ecosystems. Has anyone considered co-usage as fresh water fish farms? I've gone canoeing and camping on a few reservoirs.

On a limited sense wind allows co-usage of the land. I can't see any co-usage on solar farms.

Is anyone studying their potential?

[Hugh_Lebowski]

1. On paper it's a great source but the problem is I don't think there's many good sites left

that don't already have dams (or have any chance of getting by the EPA+Nimby's)

Combine that w/the fact that precipitation patterns could change drastically in coming years, my sense it we're probably quite limited in this arena in the USA at least.

[Throck]

2. If precipitation patterns change, might be more important.

Capture and hold water for irrigation, fire fighting. Also to preserve the water for the local fish and animals.

I wasn't thinking giant dams like some of the afore mention projects. More like downsized dams to serve a local city/community vs a whole region or state.

[applegrove]

3. I think the reservoir creations releases tons of methane or some gas. So

they are not completely clean energy. And don't forget concrete making is a huge greenhouse gas creator.