Introduction
In this project, you will investigate an operational hydroelectric dam to understand how hydropower production impacts economies, environments, and communities. You will gather data on how each dam works and evaluate its economic benefits, environmental impacts, and social consequences. As you work, focus on identifying trade-offs, which show the advantages of hydroelectric power compared to its costs.
Your goal is to use evidence from credible sources to evaluate the dam’s impacts and determine the best course of action—whether it should continue as it is, be modified, expanded, or decommissioned.
Part 1: Hydroelectric Dam Selection
Selected Hydroelectric Dam
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
Part 2: Data Collection
In this section, you will collect data about your selected dam using credible sources. Be sure to:
- Use reliable sources (government agencies, research organizations, or academic articles)
- Record specific data (numbers, facts, or clear descriptions)
- Include the source for each piece of information
As you collect data, think about how this information might influence decisions about the dam’s future and its best course of action.
Research Resources
- International Hydropower Association (IHA)
- World Bank Project databases
- USGS water resources (for environmental data like water flow and river impacts)
- Government energy agencies (country-specific)
- Peer-reviewed environmental journals
- News archives for recent developments
(Be as specific as possible. Include numbers, dates, or measurable impacts when available.)
Technical Capacity
| Category | Data | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Capacity (MW) The maximum amount of electricity the dam can produce at any moment under ideal conditions. | _______________________________________ | |
| Annual Energy Output (GWh) The total amount of electricity the dam produces over a year, helping to show how much of it is actually used over time. | _______________________________________ | |
| Year Completed | _______________________________________ | |
| Primary Purpose(s) (e.g. hydropower, flood control, irrigation) | _______________________________________ |
Impacts
Collect quantitative and qualitative data for 2-4 impacts in each category below. Aim to identify both benefits and drawbacks in each category. Most real-world energy projects involve trade-offs.
| Category | Data | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Economic (how the dam affects money, jobs, energy costs, and local or national economies) | ______________________________________________________________________________ | __________ |
| Environmental (how the dam affects ecosystems, wildlife, water flow, and natural resources) | ______________________________________________________________________________ | __________ |
| Social (how the dam affects people, communities, displacement, culture, and quality of life) | ______________________________________________________________________________ | __________ |
As you collect data, start noticing patterns. Which impacts seem the most significant? Which groups are most affected?
Part 3: Cost-Benefit Analysis
In this section, you will use the data you collected to evaluate the dam as a whole and begin determining the best course of action. Focus on identifying the most important benefits and costs, and then weighing them against each other.
Note: In this project, costs do not only mean money. Costs can include environmental damage, social impacts, and long-term consequences. Think of costs as any negative impact, not just financial expense.
Key Benefits
| Benefit | Evidence/Data |
|---|---|
Key Costs
| Cost | Evidence/Data |
|---|---|
Weighing the Trade-Offs
Not all impacts are equal. Some affect more people, last longer, or have more serious consequences. Use the questions below to help you think about how different impacts compare.
| Which impacts affect the most people, including both local communities and broader populations? | ____________________________________________________________ |
| Which groups benefit the most, and which groups are the most negatively impacted? | ____________________________________________________________ |
| Which impacts are long-term vs. short-term? | ____________________________________________________________ |
| Are any impacts irreversible? Explain. | ____________________________________________________________ |
| What solutions, compromises, or improvements could reduce the negative impacts? | ____________________________________________________________ |
Part 4: Final Evaluation and Recommendation
Using the evidence you collected, develop a clear argument about the future of this dam and the best course of action.
Your Claim
What is the best course of action for this dam? Clearly state your position.
- Continue as it is.
- Modify (make improvements or changes)
- Expand (increase capacity or impact)
- Decommission (remove or shut down the dam)
| Claim: |
Supporting Evidence
- Use evidence from all three impact categories: economic, environmental, and social.
- Explain how each category supports your claim. Be specific and use data where possible.
| Evidence: |
Counterargument and Response
Describe one strong argument someone might make against your position, and explain how you would respond using evidence.
| Counterargument: Response: |