With energy becoming a new crisis as it was in the 1970’s I write this in the hopes that someone will listen because they didn’t the last time I suggested this.
I keep hearing about exotic ways of creating new energy sources tidal hydropower, wind, solar voltaic, ethanol, etc. but no mention is made of a tried proven and cost effective way of producing energy. I speak of water power. Prior to 1900 the primary source of power in New York State was water. Water is a resource that NY is blessed with an abundant and sometimes over abundant supply. Yes we do get electricity from Niagara Falls but the resource I speak of is a myriad of small streams that still have remnants, bearing testimony of their previous use, remaining.
In my area the Manorkill which flows about ten miles from Tolls Hollow to the Gilboa reservoir is a good example. You can still see the remains of four dam sites that were there. The Manorkill was ideally suited to small water power sites as there is considerable grade differences producing good “head” at each location.
In years past it was necessary to construct mill dams so that the source of power was reliable and available at any time. It should be noted that with modern technology this would no longer be necessary as the construction of a small catch basin could be run into the equivalent of a small scale (less than 50k) Leffel turbine and the ouput fed to the grid when there was output available. I believe that a collection of small water power sites could considerably decrease the consumption of gas for power generation. Small water power sites also have a considerable advantage over large hydroelectric sites as the distance from generation to consumption is much less greatly reducing line losses.
This solution if properly designed could actually improve our streams and wildlife resources while supplying a large supply of energy without polluting the atmosphere.
http://www.leffelcompany.com/