I've consulted for a prominent SV VC looking at small scale hydro-kinetic energy before.
Two major hurdles:
1. Section 404 of the EPA's Clean Water Act (aimed at normal dams and protecting fisheries) still applies to smaller scale hydro-kinetic turbines.
2. We determined the potential market wasn't sufficient after looking at detailed satellite imagery of the US and Canada river networks. It was surprisingly small compared to the potential of solar and wind.
To really solve our energy problem we need to start getting serious about nuclear funding. Including scholarships for master's and PhDs.
It is a great solution if you need off-grid power though.
The guy above understands the Tragedy of The Commons. The Tragedy is that there will always be bad actors. The solution is to design systems that will reduce the impact of these bad actors.
In this case, make a system that strictly enforces the verification so multiple accounts can't be created.
Amen. People say there is a shortage of skilled labor. I just came out of a prestigious public CA university and can't find a job that pays a living wage. If coming out of a CS program with internships and I still don't have the skills maybe these companies should invest in training me as an entry level worker.