As you know, almost everyone now uses electrical energy in their daily life. And almost most of the people pay money for the electricity they use to the government in the country they live in. Well, let’s say that there is an energy deficit in our country, and we want to build a series of small hydroelectric power plants on a big river that runs through the region to fill this deficit. What would be the pros and cons of this solution?
First of all, what are hydroelectric power plants and how do they work? The hydroelectric power plant contains the gravitational potential energy of the water accumulating in the dam.The amount of energy released varies can change according to the flow or fall rate of the water. Water which flows from a height carries a large amount of energy. This energy is used by converting the water into electrical energy. So what are the advantages of these hydroelectric power plants?
It does not create waste and thus does not pollute the environment. Moreover, these hydroelectric power plants are renewable, clean structures that provide high efficiency. Hydroelectric energy is energy that does not need fuel. Also it is a very useful system for sustainable development. It greatly contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It has low operating and maintenance costs when compared to other energy generation systems. In addition, the technology used in hydroelectric power plants is reliable and its reliability has been proven.
However, as with everything else, hydroelectric power plants also have some environmental damage. For example, during the construction phase, the creek to be built on it is drained to another direction by canals, which causes damage to the surrounding forests during this process. Apart from these, changes in water quality and increase in sediment are observed in hydroelectric power plant regions. It shows effects on aquatic and terrestrial flora-fauna in its region. The life of the living creatures in the hydroelectric power plants built on it is interfered with, and in this case, it causes the death of those living things. But I think hydroelectric power plants are a viable option if there is an energy deficit.