Rivers of Power

Stranded power refers to rivers with massive theoretical capacity that remain undeveloped due to isolation from industrial load centers. The Lena, Mackenzie, and Yukon represent over 70 GW of combined potential but are stranded by Arctic environments and lack of transmission infrastructure to major cities.

For rivers without published capacity data, we use the hydropower formula (P = ρgQHη) combined with peer benchmarking. We compare 'power density' (MW per m³/s) against similar rivers with known capacities. For example, flat lowland rivers are benchmarked against the Ob (0.035 MW/m³/s), while shield-draining tributaries with rapids are compared to the Madeira (0.24 MW/m³/s). Each estimate includes a confidence level and peer comparison.

Hydropower follows the equation P = ρ × g × Q × H × η, where both discharge (Q) and head/drop (H) are critical. The Amazon has the world's highest discharge but near-zero gradient, making conventional hydropower impossible. In contrast, rivers like the Congo and Brahmaputra have 'Great Bend' features where massive volume meets steep drops, creating the highest density energy nodes on Earth.

Developed means major infrastructure exists and is operational (e.g., Three Gorges, Itaipu). Planned/Frontier indicates projects under construction or in advanced planning stages, often with political or environmental challenges. Pristine/Stranded rivers have significant theoretical potential but no current development, often due to remoteness, environmental protection, or geopolitical factors.

The Amazon mainstem is essentially flat, but its shield-draining tributaries (Madeira, Tocantins, Xingu, Tapajós) descend from the Brazilian and Guiana Highlands, creating significant head. These tributaries collectively account for ~50 GW of installed/planned capacity — more than most sovereign nations.

Discharge data comes from hydrological research databases. Capacity figures for developed projects come from official sources and infrastructure databases. Estimated values (marked with *) are derived using peer-validated methodologies and include confidence ratings. All estimates can be verified against the peer comparison provided.