Hydropower is an old form of electricity generation. Years back, the energy was powered to domestic sawmills and power lifts. It was also used to perform mechanical tasks such as grinding grains. It has evolved ever since and is chiefly used to generate electricity. Hydropower is the leading source of electricity. It produces almost a fifth of the world’s electricity. Hydropower energy is captured from water that is moving. It is a renewable resource, and it does not consume any water. It uses the energy from fast-moving water to produce energy. Read on to know the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy.
It is a cheap source of energy. The upfront cost of construction and installation of a hydropower plant are high. However, once it becomes functional, the operation and maintenance costs are very vow. There are no production costs because the water that is used for generation of energy does not need to be purified compared to fossil-based fuel sources like oil. Also, water does not get affected by shifts in the market, so you don’t expect the prices to go up. Hydroelectric power plants have a long lifespan. They last between 50 to 100 years. They are adaptable and can be upgraded to fit new technology.
Also, it is a renewable resource. The energy can be used forever. Renewable energy is got from sources such as water, wind and the sun. Water is not used up during hydropower production. Hydropower plants get energy from moving water and convert it into electricity. It is eco-friendly because it is a clean source of energy. It releases little amounts of greenhouse gasses to the air. It is the cleanest compared to oil and coal. It also does not produce toxic byproducts that will cause harm to the environment.
Additionally, hydroelectric energy can be flexible. It is directed to meet the variation in demand. Power can be stored for later use if the demand is high. It is used to cover for solar and wind energy when they are not available. It also boosts the electric grid. In case of a blackout, hydropower can be fed to the main electric grid to create balance in the demand and supply of electricity. When hydropower is used in remote areas that lack the resources, it promotes the building of infrastructure. People are also able to access education and health services easily. The local community will create new jobs, tourism, recreation, and investment opportunities. Click here for more info.
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Hydroelectric Energy 