New York State is trying to leverage access to relatively inexpensive electricity from the Niagara Falls hydroelectric generators to support solar-power manufacturing.

FORBES: U.S. Solar Manufacturer to U.S. Taxpayers: Drop Dead

These discussions include small-scale hydroelectric projects as well as solar and wind generators, the officials said.

CNN: AllPolitics - Progress Expected During U.S.-China Summit

And then there was the lack of electrical power -- the quakes cracked a hydroelectric power plant, forcing authorities to shut it down, making even a nearby airport unusable until portable generators could go online.

CNN: Chinese rescuers impeded by earthquake damage