Hydropower’s age of uncertainty

The Tucurui Dam and hydroelectric power plant in Para. Demand for power is growing fast, but hydro plants are struggling because of droughts, floods and other extreme weather linked to climate change. — Ruth Fremson/The New York Times

ON Brazil’s third-largest river basin, deep in the Amazon, a massive hydroelectric power plant stands as a monument to the world’s oldest source of clean energy – and the growing challenges it faces.

Drought and time have taken their toll on the Tucurui Dam. Visitors can see leaks forming small, unwanted waterfalls.