Do you know the advantages of hydropower? If not then you should read this article to learn about them. Hydropower is also known as hydroelectric power, one of the oldest and most significant renewable energy sources. Hydropower uses the pressurized flow of running water to generate electricity. You may be thinking what is hydropower used for? It is used to generate electricity. Is hydropower renewable? Yes, hydropower is a form of renewable energy that uses the water stored in dams in the hydroelectric power plant.so, without further delay let me tell you the advantages of hydropower.
What Are The Advantages Of Hydropower?
The advantages of hydropower are unlimited as it is one of the natural sources of energy. Here are several advantages of hydropower energy.
- It Is Renewable
- It Is Efficient
- Hydropower Is Secure
- Hydropower Is Clean
- It Is Flexible
- It Is Great For Recreational Use
- It Is Economical
- It Is A Fundamental Vehicle For Development
Below, the advantages of hydropower generation are given in detail.
Top 8 Advantages Of Hydropower
While knowing the advantages of hydropower, we will first learn about the advantages and then move on to the disadvantages.
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It Is Renewable
One of the great advantages of hydropower to the environment is that it is renewable energy. Because of the water cycle, hydropower is a renewable resource that does not run out-allowing us to conserve limited and non-renewable resources for other uses. Also, reduced demand for external fuel sources may help lessen conflict and improve economic issues for countries that struggle to get enough fuel.
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It Is Efficient
Hydroelectric energy is one of the most efficient energy resources in the world with up to 90% efficiency at converting water into electricity. Because water flow is the only stoppage for general repairs, maintenance, and upgrades, there is no downtime in hydroelectric power plants.
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Hydropower Is Secure
As compared to many other electricity generating plants, dams that produce hydropower have been fairly more secure over the years. Most issues that have occurred are the result of poor construction and low safety standards in older dams. Also, there is no need for combustible fuel, which lowers the risk associated with fossil fuels or nuclear energy.
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Hydropower Is Clean
Another one of the environmental benefits of hydroelectricity is that it is a clean source of energy. As there is no combustible fuel ultimately there will be no emissions. Also, there are no gases or waste products that contribute to air pollution.
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It Is Flexible
Hydroelectric power plants are flexible. How? By adjusting the flow of water flowing through the dams, you can increase or decrease the production of electricity as per load. It means the electricity can be made available when it is needed, which reduces energy waste.
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It Is Great For Recreational Use
The dam is nothing but a man-made lake where people enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, windsurfing, and many more. There are several famous reservoirs you may have heard of like Lake Mead, created by the Hoover Dam.
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It Is Economical
As there is no need for combustible fuel while running the hydroelectric plant, which keeps operating costs low and protects against fluctuations in fuel prices. Also, water is free and abundantly available on the earth, so you don’t need to buy fuel. Over the years, the dams have invariably provided some of the nation’s most affordable electricity.
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It Is A Fundamental Vehicle For Development
Other than being a great source of renewable energy, hydropower energy serves as an efficient and fundamental vehicle for the development of both new and established communities. There are a number of ways for hydroelectric power to do this. They can supply the required energy to communities. They also can supply the cause of highway construction. ultimately, attracts various industries and gives overall growth in the commerce sector.
Let’s know what are the disadvantages of hydropower.
Disadvantages Of Hydropower
The disadvantages of hydropower are,
- Highers Installation Cost
- It Displaces People
- Risk Of Flood
- Risk Of Drought
- There Are Limited Reservoirs
This is all about the advantages and disadvantages of hydropower energy.
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FAQ
Why Is Hydropower Good For The Environment?
Hydropower is better for the environment than other major sources of electrical power, which use fossil fuels. Hydropower plants do not emit the waste heat and gases—common with fossil-fuel driven facilities—which are major contributors to air pollution, global warming and acid rain.
What Are The Negatives Of Hydropower?
Hydropower can also cause environmental and social problems. Reservoirs drastically change the landscape and rivers they are built on. Dams and reservoirs can reduce river flows, raise water temperature, degrade water quality and cause sediment to build up. This has negative impacts on fish, birds and other wildlife.
Is Hydropower Good For The Economy?
The greatest benefit from the USACE hydropower program is the abundant low-cost energy the projects contribute to electric power grids. Because hydroelectric powerplants burn no fuel, operating costs are low and are immune to rising fossil fuel prices.
How Does Hydropower Reduce Pollution?
Hydroelectricity improves the air we breathe. Hydroelectric power plants don’t release pollutants into the air. They very frequently substitute the generation from fossil fuels, thus reducing acid rain and smog. In addition to this, hydroelectric developments don’t generate toxic by-products.
Why Is Hydropower Better Than Wind Power?
Hydropower is by far the largest renewable worldwide, producing over twice as much energy as wind, and over four times as much as solar. And pumping water up a hill, aka “pumped storage hydropower”, comprises well over 90% of the world’s total energy storage capacity.
What Are 3 Facts About Hydropower?
Hydropower is one of the oldest power sources on the planet, generating power when flowing water spins a wheel or turbine. It was used by farmers as far back as ancient Greece for mechanical tasks like grinding grain. Hydropower is also a renewable energy source and produces no air pollution or toxic byproducts.
Is Hydropower The Most Efficient?
This is the electrical energy equivalent of about 72 million barrels of oil. Hydroelectric powerplants are the most efficient means of producing electric energy. The efficiency of today’s hydroelectric plant is about 90 percent.
Conclusion
In this article, we have tried our best to give you the advantages and disadvantages of hydropower in simple and easy language. There is no denying that hydroelectric plants are an efficient means of producing energy for a sustainable future. Because it is not that much harm to the environment. You can make a more informed decision about energy production in your own community by knowing the advantages of hydropower.
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What is the advantages and disadvantages of hydropower
What are the benefits of hydropower?