The electricity generated by harnessing the power of the moving water is known as hydroelectricity. While it produces almost 71% of total renewable electricity, there are certain drawbacks like high cost and emission possibilities. Today, we will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy in detail.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Energy

It is a form of energy that is derived from water through a wheel or other similar mechanisms to produce clean energy. Here, electricity generation depends on water flow which can be adjusted. With China being the largest hydro facility, other countries on the list of hydropower producers are Brazil, Canada, India, Russia, and the United States. However, just like every resource, this one also has its advantages and disadvantages.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Adjustable water flow by the energy plantRisk of droughts and floods.
Land development opportunities in nearby cities, and townsExpensive construction costs 
Pollution-free electricity generationCarbon and methane emissions from reservoirs
Creation of tourist attractions with dam constructions,Limited locations for plant and dam construction.
Reliable and renewable energy productionImpact marine life, creating a barrier between fishes and their breeding ground.

Now, let’s learn about the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy in detail.

Advantages of Hydroelectric Energy

Some major benefits of using hydroelectric energy are as follows:

1. Adjustable Water Flow: The energy plant can easily increase the flow of water when more energy is required. On the other hand, it can be decreased accordingly based on the requirement.

2. Land Development: With the development of hydroelectric plants at specific locations, there is a good chance for the land development of nearby cities and towns. This is because building the dam connects the rural areas with urban regions. Moreover, it also provides irrigation support.

3. Pollution Free Electricity Generation: There is no emission into the atmosphere as it does not cause air, water, or land pollution.

4. Creation of Tourist Attractions: With dam construction, often lakes are formed which become tourist attractions, improving the economic conditions of the nearby town or village areas. For example, Lake Mead in the states of Arizona and Nevada was created as a result of the Hoover Dam.

5. Reliable and Renewable Power: The continuous water-flowing nature makes it a reliable source of energy. Other sources like the sun or wind can not generate adequate power on cloudy days.

Also See: 6 Advantages of Solar Thermal Energy

Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Energy

Key limitations of hydroelectric energy are :

1. Reservoir Emissions: Usually, it does not cause any pollution but over time reservoirs decompose and release large amounts of carbon and methane gas. This is harmful to marine life.

2. Expensive Construction: Building any power plant needs heavy investments. But building a dam to stop the running water is an additional structure required in hydroelectric plants. Thus, its construction is costly in comparison to other power plants of the same size.

Also, check out the Advantages and Disadvantages of Tidal Energy

3. Risks of Floods and Droughts: Dams are built at high elevations, but this is dangerous during heavy rainstorms and typhoons. Though it hardly happens, a dam breaking and releasing all the water may result in flooding.

Cross-Reference: Hydropower providing flood control and drought management services under changing climate conditions.

4. Impact on Marine Life: Dams are built on running water sources, this becomes a barrier between fishes and their breeding ground. So, access to water and food for marine animals becomes difficult.

5. Limited Locations: Places for hydropower plant construction are limited. A dam cannot be built in any random place with flowing rivers. The selected places where these plants are constructed are far from major cities. Thus, the energy produced could not be utilized by the cities.

After discussing the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy, it can be concluded that it is indeed a reliable source of renewable energy production. With few drawbacks like expensive construction and the risk of droughts and floods, hydropower has a bright future ahead. For more such comparison docs, keep exploring our website.

Recommended: 30 Practical Ways to Reduce Water Pollution

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Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

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