LIVING WITH UNCERTAINTY: HYDROELECTRIC OPERATIONS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

摘要

Is there a difference between current operations planning and planning for competing usesrnunder changing conditions in the future? A tremendous body of sound scientific knowledge cautioned withrnrisk and uncertainty parameters can cause confusion regarding potential climate change impacts, theirrnimplications, and real world application. The ability to adapt is the framework for any climate changerndiscussion, but how is the ability of hydroelectric operations to adapt to current conditions different orrncomparable to potential changing conditions in the future? This paper will focus on the City of Seattle'srnmajor hydroelectric projects, Boundary and Skagit, as a basis to compare and contrast current and futurernchanges in operations planning within our energy portfolio. The Boundary Project relies on river water fromrnupstream projects with minimal reservoir storage capacity. In comparison, the Skagit Project is a reservoirrnproject consisting of three (3) sequential dams, which are in climatically and geographically diversernwatershed areas of Washington State.