In a significant move to enhance the potential of hydropower and marine energy, US Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), along with fellow senators, has introduced two key pieces of legislation.The Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act and the Water Power Research and Development Act aim to streamline the regulatory processes that have hindered the growth of these renewable energy sectors.
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thecordovatimes.commurkowski.senate.govThe FLOWS Act is designed to reduce administrative burdens on project developers.According to Murkowski, the act would allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue shorter licenses—ranging from 10 to 20 years—for micro hydrokinetic energy projects, which are marine energy projects with an installed capacity of under five megawatts.
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thecordovatimes.comFurthermore, the legislation establishes a two-year timeline for FERC to act on applications for these projects, a significant reduction from the existing lengthy approval process.
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murkowski.senate.govMurkowski emphasized that operators should not have to wait months or even years for routine maintenance approvals."The targeted, practical reforms in my FLOWS Act better reflect how modern hydropower facilities operate and will help lower energy costs for Alaskan families," she stated.
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murkowski.senate.govAdditionally, the FLOWS Act mandates that FERC submit a report to Congress on the impacts of licensed micro hydrokinetic projects within five years of enactment.This report will cover environmental, economic, and electricity reliability aspects, providing a comprehensive overview of the projects' effectiveness.
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thecordovatimes.comMalcolm Woolf, president and CEO of the National Hydropower Association, praised the FLOWS Act as a "commonsense, bipartisan fix" that cuts red tape and allows operators to focus on essential aspects such as dam safety and reliability.
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murkowski.senate.govHe noted that by modernizing outdated processes, the bill not only preserves the existing hydropower fleet but also paves the way for future innovations in marine energy technologies.
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murkowski.senate.govThe second measure, the Water Power Research and Development Act, seeks to reauthorize the Department of Energy's (DOE) programs that support marine energy and next-generation hydropower projects.This act aims to modernize the objectives of the DOE's Water Power Technologies Office, focusing on increasing the efficiency of waterpower technologies and fostering US-based manufacturing.
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thecordovatimes.commurkowski.senate.govUnder this act, research priorities would be expanded to tackle emerging challenges, such as cybersecurity for hydropower facilities, collaboration with local entities to improve licensing processes, and the integration of hydrological impacts into grid modeling.
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thecordovatimes.comCrystal Enkvist, executive director of the Alaska Power Association, stated that this legislation is vital for ensuring reliable and affordable power for communities across Alaska.
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murkowski.senate.govThe introduction of these measures comes at a time when the hydropower sector is facing numerous challenges, including lengthy licensing processes and competition from other renewable sources.
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hydro.orgThe bipartisan support for these acts could signal a shift towards a more favorable regulatory environment for hydropower, which remains a crucial component of the US energy grid.
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hydro.orgWith the growing emphasis on clean energy sources, these legislative efforts may not only enhance the role of hydropower and marine energy but also contribute significantly to the United States' energy independence and resilience.
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hydro.orgAs lawmakers continue to explore avenues for reform, the successful passage of the FLOWS Act and the Water Power Research and Development Act could mark a pivotal moment for renewable energy in the nation.
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niskanencenter.orgThe outcomes of these proposed measures will be closely monitored as they progress through the legislative process, with advocates urging swift action to capitalize on the potential benefits for the energy sector and local communities alike.
