HYDROELECTRIC POWER

HYDROELECTRIC POWER Hydroelectric power is electricity generated by hydropower. Hydropower is harnessed through the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. The electricity is typically created when the water is passed over large mechanical turbines then converted into electricity. Most hydroelectric power comes from the potential energy of damned water driving a water turbine and generator. The power extracted from the water depends on the volume and on the difference in height between the source and the outflow. Advantages of Hydroelectricity i. Hydroelectricity does not "use" water, all of the water is returned to its source of origin. ii. Fuel is not burned so there is minimal pollution iii. Water to run the power plant is provided free by nature iv. Hydropower plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions v. Relatively low operations and maintenance costs vi. The technology is reliable and proven over time. vii. Dams constructed can also shut their gates and conserve the water for use when power is in higher demand. Disadvantages of Hydroelectricity I. Like all power plants, hydroelectric plants are very expensive to build, and must be built to a very high standard. II. The high cost means that plants must operate for a long time to become profitable. The creation of dams can also create flooding of land, which means natural environment and the natural habitat of animals, and even people, may be destroyed. III. The building of dams for hydroelectric power can also cause a lot of water access problems and displacement of local population. IV. The creation of a dam in one location may mean that those down river no longer have control of water flow. This can create controversy in places where neighboring countries share a water supply.