With the continuous development of society and the improvement of people’s living standards, energy demand is constantly increasing. Traditional energy sources, for instance, coal, oil, and natural gas are gradually running out, so it is necessary to seek new energy sources. Hydroelectricity is an important renewable energy source. It has the advantages of being inexhaustible, pollution-free, and carbon-neutral, so it is very popular worldwide.
The power of water generates hydroelectricity. When water flows through a dam, the kinetic energy of the water flow can be converted into electrical energy by a hydroelectric generator. The utility bidder is responsible for the distribution of electricity to customers.
This process does not produce any pollution and is very efficient. In addition, hydroelectric power plants can also provide a large amount of electricity at peak times and can be quickly put into operation when needed, which is very helpful in meeting the needs of modern society.
Hydroelectricity plays a vital role in the development of renewable energy. It is a meaningful way to realize the sustainable development of energy and protect the environment.
Advantages of Hydroelectricity
Flexible Source of Electricity
Hydroelectricity is a flexible source of electricity because it can be used to generate power on demand. Hydroelectric power stations can be built to meet the demands of any given region and can be easily expanded or upgraded as demand increases. Unlike other forms of energy, such as fossil fuels, hydroelectricity does not produce emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change.
Hydroelectricity is also a renewable resource that can be replenished naturally without harming the environment. In addition, hydropower is a very efficient way to generate electricity, with typical plant operating efficiencies of around 85%. It means that hydroelectricity has the potential to meet a large proportion of the world’s future energy needs in a sustainable way.
Good for Industrial Applications
Hydroelectricity offers many benefits for industrial applications. First, it provides a constant source of power. It is because water flow can be predicted and controlled, making it possible to generate uninterrupted electricity. Additionally, hydroelectricity is more efficient than other forms of power generation, and its carbon footprint is much lower. It certainly makes it an attractive option for industries looking to operate sustainably.
Reduced Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Reduced carbon dioxide emissions are another advantage of hydroelectricity. Hydroelectric power stations do not burn fossil fuels, so they do not produce carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, hydroelectricity is one of the most efficient and low-carbon energy sources available.
A typical hydroelectric power station can generate around 1,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity per year while emitting around 966 kilograms (2,130 lb) of carbon dioxide. It is equivalent to saving around 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly.
Disadvantages of Hydroelectricity
Hydropower is a renewable energy source with many advantages, including being relatively efficient and having a low carbon footprint. However, it also has some disadvantages.
Environmental Damage
Hydroelectric power stations require the damming of rivers, which can lead to flooding and the displacement of wildlife. In addition, the release of water from the dam can cause changes in the river’s flow, disrupting the local ecosystem.
In addition, they can have a negative impact on the environment, causing pollution and disrupting fish migration patterns. While hydroelectricity is a clean energy source, its negative impacts on the environment cannot be ignored.
High Cost
Hydroelectric power stations can be expensive to build and maintain and require a reliable water source.
Drought
Another disadvantage is that they are not always able to meet the electricity demand, especially during periods of drought. So, hydroelectricity may not be a viable option in drought-prone areas or areas with low rainfall.
Methane Emissions From Reservoirs
Methane is a harmful pollutant that can cause respiratory and other health problems. Methane is a greenhouse gas that majorly contributes to climate change. It traps heat and warms the planet when methane is released into the atmosphere. It can lead to methane emissions from reservoirs.
Hydroelectric reservoirs are often located in wetland areas with much-decaying vegetation. This decaying vegetation emits methane gas, which can rise into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. In addition, the release of methane gas from hydroelectric reservoirs can also impact local air quality. For these reasons, methane emission from hydroelectric reservoirs is a significant disadvantage of this form of renewable energy.
Forced Relocation
One of the main disadvantages of hydroelectricity is that it can cause forced relocation. To build a hydroelectric dam, a large body of water is needed, so people who live in that area need to be relocated. It can be disruptive and traumatic, especially for older people who have lived in the same community for their whole lives.
Additionally, finding suitable land for relocation can be challenging, as the new site must be able to support the same number of people as the old one. Forced relocation can lead to social problems and economic hardship for those affected.
It is always important to note all the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to build a hydroelectric power station.
Concluding Remarks
Hydroelectricity is considered one of the most popular forms of renewable energy, and it’s not hard to see why. Hydroelectric power plants can have a very high capacity factor, meaning they produce much electricity relative to their size. They also have low operating costs since they don’t require any fuel. And once a hydroelectric plant is built, its generating capacity can last for many decades. Hydroelectricity is also a very efficient way of generating electricity, with around 80-90% of the energy in the water being converted into electricity.
Hydroelectricity is a clean, efficient, and reliable energy source that can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Though there are some disadvantages, the benefits of hydroelectricity make it a desirable option for many countries and regions. All of these factors make hydroelectricity an appealing option for countries looking to expand their use of renewable energy. Therefore, we should fully use hydroelectricity and other renewable energy sources to achieve green development.
