| ID | 128023 |
| Title Proper | Sustainable power and scenic beauty |
| Other Title Information | the Niagara River water diversion treaty and its relevance today |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Sedoff, Andrei ; Schott, Stephan ; Karney, Bryan |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Niagara Falls and the Niagara River have always attracted great public interest due to their natural beauty, their enormous potential for electricity generation, their recreational value and as an important ecosystem. There have been simultaneous efforts to preserve this unique natural wonder and harness its power through hydroelectric development projects by both the United States and Canada. This paper explores the evolution of these efforts that culminated with the signing of the 1950 Niagara River Water Diversion Treaty that established minimum water flow rates to protect the "scenic beauty" of the falls, allowing the remaining water to be diverted for power production. We examine the rationale that led to specific water flow restrictions and question to what extent they are relevant today, as water intake capacity on the Canadian side has just been extended by around 25%. We find that current restrictions under the Niagara River Water Treaty (that expired in 2000) are not based on sound scientific evidence and estimate the upper limit of potential foregone benefits from clean electricity generation and greenhouse gas reductions. We identify a number of important issues that emerged in the last decades and that would justify an exploration of new treaty rules. |
| `In' analytical Note | Energy Policy Vol.66, No. ; March 2014: p.526-536 |
| Journal Source | Energy Policy Vol.66, No. ; March 2014: p.526-536 |
| Key Words | Sustainable Power ; Scenic Beauty ; Nigeria ; Niagara ; Niagara River Water Diversion Treaty - NRWDT ; Hydro Power ; Non-Conventional Energy Sources ; Non-Traditional Energy ; Energy Crisis ; Energy Policy ; Water Energy ; Hydroelectric Power ; International Treaties ; Water Disputes ; Greenhouse Gas Reductions ; Canada ; United States - US ; Canadian Energy Policy ; Niagara Falls ; Hydroelectric Generation ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Security |