Hydroelectric Energy Pros and Cons

Producing hydroelectric energy is one of the older sources of power known by man. However, over the years, methods used for the process has definitely evolved due to technological advancements. Mills powered by rivers in older days have been replaced by dams and turbines these days. Hydroelectric power is used to produce almost a quarter of the total electricity needs around the world. Electricity produced in this manner is very much desired as a hydroelectric power plant does not cause pollution, is environmental friendly and is a form of renewable energy. However, a hydroelectric power plant can seriously disrupt ecosystem balance in the water bodies around the dam.

Hydroelectricity Generation Process

A reservoir and a dam is required to generate electricity in the manner. Along with these, pipes, turbines and generators are also required. Water flowing from the dam is diverted to the place where power generation takes places, wherein the flowing water propels the turbines to create power which is converted to electricity by the generators. This electricity generated is carried over to a substation for electrical power, and from there it is supplied to consumers. There are certain factors which determine how much electricity is produced through the hydroelectric energy generation process. An important factor here is the height from which water falls on the turbines. The more the height, more electricity is produced. Other than the height, the volume of water flow is also an crucial aspect which determines the amount electricity generated in the power station. More electricity is generated if the volume of water flow is high.

Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Energy

Pros
Electricity produced through the hydroelectric energy generation method is without any pollution or harmful environmental effects. Neither are any dangerous greenhouse gases emitted, nor burning of fossil fuels is necessary to generate electricity this way. Hydroelectric power plants generate renewable energy. Building this type of an energy plant is not very costly and there are government grants which help relax the financial burden of building a power station.

The dams are useful for storing water which is useful for proving nearby areas with water in case of a drought. In case lake water is not being used for supplying drinking water, there can be few recreational activities like boating, fishing or swimming that can be carried out.

It is simpler and cheaper to maintain a hydro electric power plant than a nuclear power plant and breakdown instances are also fewer. Hydro electric plants last long and since the power generation process is mostly automated, less labor is needed to operate and supervise the power station.

Cons
Hydroelectric energy plants, at times, can alter the local environment of an area to a great extent. As thses plants require a reservoir to function, it could cause flooding in neighboring lands. If this is the case, then areas around the reservoir needs to be evacuated, resulting in people having to shift to different areas. Ecosystems are also affected by dams and natural changes in the river according to seasons are disrupted. The dam ends up blocking the silt which flows through the river to the beaches. If there are instances of drought in the area, dams are not that effective in producing electricity.

Plants that get destroyed because of the dams, tend to decay in an anaerobic environment. Methane, a greenhouse gas, is produced because of this. The damage caused through this process is more harmful than what would have resulted if the forest was destroyed naturally.

Compensation needs to be provided for transferring people and necessary arrangements for the same need to be made as well, for areas around where the dam is to be built. This is a tough task and could result in major disagreement and opposition from people if their demands are not met.

Going through the pros and cons makes us understand that although there are no major disadvantages in producing energy this way, there are a few drawbacks when it comes to construction of dams and the power plant. However, it still remains an excellent and inexpensive source of producing electricity.