Using the gravity of flowing water to generate electricity is called hydropower.
The gravity of water is used to rotate turbines, which drive magnets in rotating generators to generate electricity, and water energy is also classified as a renewable energy source. It is one of the oldest, cheapest and simplest power generation technologies.
Hydropower is roughly divided into four categories: conventional (dams), pumped storage, rivers and offshore (tidal). Hydropower is one of the world’s three major sources of electricity, and the other two are burning fossil fuels and nuclear fuels. As of today, it accounts for one-sixth of the world’s total power generation.
Advantages of hydropower
Safe and clean-Unlike other energy sources such as fossil fuels, it is as clean and green as nuclear energy and biomass energy. These power plants do not use or release fuel, so they do not emit any greenhouse gases.
Renewable-is considered renewable energy because it uses the earth’s water to generate electricity. The water is recycled back to the earth in a natural form without any pollution. Because of the natural water cycle, it will never run out.
Cost-effectiveness-Despite the huge construction costs, hydropower is a cost-competitive energy source because of the very low maintenance and operating costs.
Flexible source-This is a flexible source of electricity because these power plants can quickly scale up and down based on energy demand. The start-up time of a water turbine is much shorter than that of a steam turbine or a gas turbine.
Other uses-As hydropower projects form huge reservoirs, this water can also be used for irrigation and aquaculture. The lake formed behind the dam can be used for water sports and leisure activities, making it a tourist attraction and generating income.
Disadvantages of hydropower
Very high capital cost-these power plants and dams are sometimes very expensive. The construction cost is very high.
Risk of failure-due to flooding, dams block a large amount of water, natural disasters, man-made damage, and construction quality may have disastrous consequences for downstream areas and infrastructure. Such failures may affect the power supply, animals and plants, and may cause great losses and casualties.
Ecosystem destruction-Large reservoirs cause large areas of the upper reaches of the dam to inundate, sometimes destroying lowlands, valleys, forests and grasslands. At the same time, it will also affect the aquatic ecosystem around the plant. It has a great impact on fish, waterfowl and other animals.
Post time: Jun-04-2021
