Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectric energy uses the energy from moving water to generate electricity. It is the oldest and largest renewable energy; commonly seen in dams. Can be used residentially but a flowing water source is needed for sufficient output.
Key Benefits of Hydroelectric Energy
- Reliable: This resource is completely renewable and reliable due to constant flow of water and only stops working when the water stops flowing.
- Low Operating Costs: Operational costs are minimal after setup.
- Environmentally Friendly: Produces no air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
Disadvantages
- Impact on Wildlife: With hydro plants, the running water is damned and the animals surrounding the water are at risk due to the change of ecosystem.
- Carbon and Methane Emissions: Though there is no emissions that come from the power plant, there is emissions coming from the decaying plants in the water.
- Flood Risk: Damns are build higher, so there is a flood risk to the surrounding area.
Challenges
Challenges include high initial costs for infrastructure, potential environmental disruptions, and reliance on water availability.
Resources for Hydroelectric Energy
- Hydropower Basics - U.S. Department of Energy
- International Hydropower Association
- Green Geeks - Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Energy
- Planning a Microhydropower System
- Household Hydropower: An Underutilized Source of Renewable Energy
- Actions for Governments and Policymakers
- Commission's Responsibility - FERC
- Hydropower Program - U.S. Department of Energy