A more detailed level of explanation on both the positive and negative aspects of hydropower. Alternative energy sources are a mainstay for ecological balance and the article content gives a healthy look at an ancient power source.

Hydropower renewable energy is derived from moving water, such as waterfalls, rivers, and dams, and it is an alternative energy source. It is very important to take a look at the pros and cons of hydropower to really evaluate its usefulness.

Hydropower pro 1 – There are no greenhouse gas emissionsor carbon dioxide from generating hydropower renewable energy, so there is no resulting air pollution to harm the environment or lead to global warming. Hydropower is generally considered clean.

Hydropower pro 2 – The flooding associated with hydropower can have positive aspects. The areas that are flooded as a result of generating hydropower renewable energy can become a new home for new species of wildlife and fish, which can survive in local conditions. Hydropower dams also have great irrigation effects, and they turn the surrounding area into fertile space.

Hydropower pro 3 – It is possible to produce electricity at a constant rate once a damn is constructed. It is also possible to stop electricity generation when it is not needed by closing the sluice gates. In that way, the water can be preserved for a time when there is not a high demand for electricity.

Hydropower pro 4 – Dams are built to last for a very long time, so they can generate electricity for many years or even decades. The water gets built up in a lake, which means that the energy gets stored until it is needed, and then the water can be released for electricity production.

Hydropower con 1 – Besides the pros, the cons of hydropower are also numerous. Its main con is the equipment used. The turbines can have devastating effects on the local fish population. With large amounts of water going through the turbines, there could be a lot of fish going along too. The turbine, of course, kills the fish, which may decrease the quantity of or endanger certain species. Thus, a dam changes the fish and wildlife in the area, as well as the landscape.

Hydropower con 2 – Hydropower dams affect the local population as well. People who live in towns and villages in the valley that will be flooded have no choice but to move. This could mean that their businesses and farms will be lost. In certain countries, sometimes people are forced to vacate the premises so that hydropower dams can be built.

Hydropower con 3 – Dams take up a lot of space and are usually built on undeveloped land that is wooded. It is often necessary to clear the woods, which increases greenhouse gas emissions in the area significantly. The plants and trees that previously acted as carbon sinks and captured the harmful carbon are no longer there, which adds to environmental damage.

Hydropower con 4 – Hydropower damsare extremely expensive to build and it can take years to gain some kind of return on investment.

For the original article, click here

For more information, go to:
www.hydropower.org,
en.wikipedia.org

9 Responses to “Pros and Cons of Hydropower – Updated Article With New Information”

1. 1
   sales plan Says:
   

   Great post! I have been searching for this information on this for a long time.

   October 30th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
2. 2
   jason Says:
   

   A new report has shown that with strong federal support, hydropower could support 1.4 million new cumulative jobs in the next 15 years (by 2025). Pennsylvania and Ohio have great potential and could benefit enormously

   October 8th, 2010 at 11:13 am
3. 3
   jake Says:
   

   Actually China had an active hydropower building scheme going in the 80’s but then it fell out of favour due to the long construction periods and large initial outlays. Just this last few years it has been put back on the agenda. However, in China coal remains the dominant energy generator

   October 8th, 2010 at 11:08 am
4. 4
   jon Says:
   

   China is going crazy over hydropowers. The technology is mature, and the economics are in there – the country intends to double its power generation from hydro by 2020.

   October 8th, 2010 at 11:05 am
5. 5
   mike Says:
   

   Gabriel – whether a hydropower station is feasible or not depends on a large number of factors, not least on the geography, geology etc of the potential location of the dam. This is a question that takes a team of consultants many months to answer! Regarding govermental policy, that is of-course also specific to every country. Most countries nowadays are investing in renwable energy sources, but whether hydro is suitable for Namibia or not I cannot say

   October 8th, 2010 at 11:03 am
6. 6
   Vaughn Bors Says:
   

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   September 3rd, 2010 at 1:22 am
7. 7
   Outdoor Water Features Says:
   

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   September 2nd, 2010 at 1:45 am
8. 8
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   August 24th, 2010 at 1:47 am
9. 9
   Lelia Vincik Says:
   

   That’s a good post!

   August 20th, 2010 at 7:17 am

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