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Snake River Dams: 'Status Quo is Not an Option' by Nancy Hirsh Seattle Times, June 24, 2022

Renewable energy technology costs are expected to continue declining.

Re: "A herculean, worthwhile task before breaching Lower Snake River Dams" [June 16, Opinion]:

The editorial board has it right that saving endangered salmon is a "target worth aiming for." Replacing the energy services of the Lower Snake River Dams can result in affordable and clean energy, while improving reliability of the whole regional power system.

The Lower Snake River Draft Report estimates costs ranging from $8.3 to $18.6 billion to replace power from the Lower Snake River Dams. Importantly, that figure is spread over 50 years. On an annual basis, it's at most a couple percentage points of the total Northwest regional power cost. Renewable energy technology costs are expected to continue declining, meaning replacement of the energy services of the dams will be less costly than today's projections.

Modeling of renewable energy technology costs from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory show declining costs for solar, wind, and battery systems through 2030 and beyond. A recent Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory analysis found that current supply chain and inflation issues shouldn't change that outlook.

Meanwhile, dam operation costs will continue to grow as turbines age and climate change affects energy output. For salmon and other species at risk, the status quo is not an option -- how can you put a dollar figure on extinction?