8 Disadvantages and Advantages of Hydropower

In today’s society, the biggest problem we are facing is our dwindling energy supply. There are many different types of alternative energies being used, including solar, geothermal, and even wind! One of the most talked about, and possibly most implemented thus far is that of hydro power. Hydro power is electricity that is generated by the flowing of water, mostly natural bodies of water whose currents naturally generate the power. There are some wonderful benefits to hydro power, including the fact that it will never run out. However, just like anything it has it’s own unique downfalls and problems that compromise it’s place in our energy future.

Advantages of Hydro Power

1. It’s Clean Energy!
There are no harmful gases or emissions created or put into the atmosphere or environment with hydroelectricity. This includes the process of generating, harnessing, and using the power.

2. A Reliable Source of Energy
Water is always moving, whether it be rivers or oceans, there is natural movement that occurs. This movement is what creates the power, by spinning turbines. Since the water is always moving, energy is always being created. Hydro power is one of the most stable forms of alternative energies that has been discovered.

3. It Can Be Fun Too
One of the greatest benefits that can be enjoyed from the use of hydro power has nothing to do with the power at all. Since it utilizes water, recreational areas generally accompany the building of a hydro power plant. These areas can be enjoyed by the local community as well as visitors from all over the world.

4. Costs Remain Low
While the initial costs of building and staffing an entire hydro electricity power plant can be very high, the costs it takes to maintain and run are extremely low. This is great because it allows the money that is saved to transfer down to the consumers of the energy source.

5. Flood Control
Since the flow of the water going through the plant is controlled, the water going out can be as well. Dams like this are ideal in areas with high flood problems, because they can help to regulate the amount of water that flows through and prevent the flooding from happening.

Disadvantages of Hydro Power

1. When In Drought….
One of the biggest problems with hydro power is the fact that droughts are becoming more and more frequent around the world. In order for the power to be generated, there must be moving water. If a drought where to occur and the levels of the body of water being used where to diminish, than no power would be made.

2. Negative Impact On Aquatic Life
Many things are affected when the power plant is built and use begins. The turbines that are placed into the water act as a wall for all of the aquatic and wildlife that naturally lives within. This can greatly harm species because fish, much like other types of animals, migrate up and down stream. The plants would also be harmed because nutrients that they may normally receive would be filtered out or not even be able to reach them.

3. It Costs A Pretty Penny To Build
Red tape doesn’t even begin to cover the issues that are faced when you want to build a hydro power plant. The costs that are necessary to build something within water are astronomical. Along with the construction costs, the equipment that is needed to run and harness the energy are very high as well. Along with cost for construction, the people that would be needed to run this type of energy facility would have to be highly trained and very well paid.

Important Facts About Hydro Power

  • In 2006, twenty percent of all the energy used in the world was generated by hydro power.
  • The United State’s first hydro power generating site was Niagara Falls, which was built in 1881.
  • Hydro power is the second cheapest source of energy, right next to solar power.
  • The Three Gorges Damn in China is the biggest hydro electricity plant in the world, it is so big, in fact, that after it’s completion, it was proven that it had slowed the earth’s rotation.
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