Hydroelectric power is the largest source of clean energy at present. The reliability and instant draw of energy when needed has made hydroelectric
power an obvious source of energy for centuries.
Hydropower is by far the biggest source of clean energy across the world
Electricity generation from hydropower produces no harmful emissions
Since 1950, global installed capacity of hydropower has increased over eight-fold
Hydropower will still be used for decades to come but is not expected to grow as much as other clean energy sources
Hydroelectric power has been an excellent source of clean energy but selecting locations that do not affect the water flow to farmlands or other areas
is becoming more difficult and will reduce the expansion of hydroelectric dams
Indepth Study
An Introduction
Hydropower (also known as hydroelectric or water power) is power derived from the energy of falling or fast-running water, which may be harnessed
for useful purposes.
History and Trends
Since ancient times, hydropower from many kinds of watermills has been used as an unlimited energy source for irrigation and the operation of various
mechanical device. In the late 19th century, hydropower became a source for generating electricity.
Since 1950, global installed capacity of hydropower has increased over eight-fold.
Having been in use for much longer than solar and wind, Hydropower is by far the biggest source of clean energy across the world (63% of total
renewable energy generation in 2018)
Half of all global hydropower installed capacity can be found in four countries: China, Brazil, the United States, and Canada.
Projections
Although hydropower has historically been the most popular clean energy source for electricity generation, the EIA projects that by 2050,
hydro will fall to third place (behind Solar and Wind).
Electricity generation from hydropower produces no harmful emissions.
Reliable and Adjustable
Hydropower is the most reliable clean energy available in the world. Unlike sunlight and wind, water usually has a constant and steady flow 24/7.
Furthermore, hydro plants can adjust the flow of water. This allows the plant to produce more energy when it is required or reduce the energy output
when it is not needed.
Disadvantages
Environmental Consequences
Although hydropower produces no harmful emissions, it does require interventions in nature due to damming of water, changed water flow, and the
construction of roads and power lines. These changes in the environment could negatively impact the local ecosystem.
Droughts and Flooding
Hydropower is dependent on the amount of water in any given location. Thus, the performance of a hydro plant could be significantly affected by a
drought. Furthermore when dams are built at higher elevations, they pose a serious risk to any town nearby that is below it.
Data Sources
1.
Tennessee Valley Authority/WikiMedia Public domain: Hydroelectric dam
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