Let it flow: Modeling ecological benefits and hydropower production impacts of banning zero-flow events in a large regulated river system.

Hydropeaking, defined as rapid and frequent changes in flow to optimize hydropower production, is an increasingly common procedure negatively affecting lotic habitats in riverine ecosystems. An important aspect of hydropeaking is zero-flow events, occurring when hydropower stations are stopped due to low energy demand or low electricity prices. We quantified the ecological benefits and consequences for hydropower production of restricting zero-flow events.