WASHINGTON — A baseline analysis of how hydroelectric dams fit into U.S. energy production planning has been ordered by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps has 75 power-producing dams, including on the Mississippi River. These dams generate 100 billion kilowatt-hours of clean and renewable energy annually. The Corps, in fact, is the largest hydroelectric power-generator in the nation. Existing comparative data from the U.S National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows show that 2,000 megawatts from:
> 0n-shore wind farms require 170,000 acres.
> Solar farms, 12,000 acres.
> Nuclear reactors, 60 acres.
The new Army Corps study is designed to establish how hydroelectric power fits int the larger framework of national energy sourcing. The Corps’ study was triggered by a President Trump executive order to maintain U.S. energy dominance. Trump has a prejudice favoring biomass-sourcing, which favors the 19th century coal industry and the 20th century petroleum industry.