Many individuals and governments have become concerned about climate change and are now looking for more sustainable fuel alternatives. Fortunately, there are lots of eco-friendly options available nowadays, and one of these is hydroelectricity. This energy source isn’t exactly a new discovery; in fact, it already accounts for 16 percent of electricity consumption around the world as of 2010, and this figure is expected to rise in the coming years.
But is hydroelectricity really the answer to the world’s energy problems? Or does it have its own disadvantages that people should consider? Read on to find out.
List of Pros of Hydroelectricity
1. It’s environmentally friendly.
Hydroelectricity is undeniably one of the most sustainable energy sources. For one thing, it doesn’t really “use” water; rather, it harnesses the energy produced by falling or flowing water. As a result, water returns to its source of origin, which means the dam, river or waterfall that a hydroelectric plant utilizes doesn’t dry up. Compare this to fossil fuels (which have a finite supply and are rapidly being depleted), and it’s easy to see why hydroelectricity is considered to be highly sustainable and eco-friendly.
Another good thing about hydroelectricity is that its production doesn’t create any waste byproducts. As a result, it won’t pollute the environment and contribute to climate change.
2. It allows countries to have their own source of power.
Almost every place on earth has the capacity to produce hydroelectricity. Because of these, each state and country can create their own energy without having to fully rely on oil and other fuels that have to be imported. This won’t only reduce government operating costs but will also help countries that don’t have the funds or the ability to import fuel.
3. It can help in preventing or managing catastrophes.
The dams that are built for hydroelectric plants can greatly assist in improving a country’s water supply and irrigation efforts. They can also be used to keep flooding at bay during rainy days.
4. It can help in creating recreational opportunities.
A lot of hydroelectric plant operators coordinate with communities to turn reservoirs into leisure facilities. In some plants, for example, people can enjoy water activities like swimming, fishing and whitewater rafting. They can also go camping and hiking in the surrounding areas to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
List of Cons of Hydroelectricity
1. It can be costly.
Hydroelectric plants aren’t exactly cheap. Since they have to be constructed according to strict standards, building them requires a substantial amount of money. Because of this, hydroelectric plant owners have to operate for years and even decades before they can recoup their initial investment and enjoy profits.
2. It can affect the ecosystem.
Hydroelectricity is a sustainable and renewable source of energy, but it’s not entirely eco-friendly since it has several negative effects on the environment. For one thing, building a hydroelectric facility can use up a lot of land, especially in flat areas. This means that almost every animal that lives in this certain space will lose their homes and be forced to relocate to another place. Trees, bushes and other plants that stand on the area will also be damaged since they’ll be constantly bombarded with water.