Since the beginning of 21th century people started to realize that there is too many problems we are causing to our planet. For instance, air pollution, global warming, natural resource depletion etc. Main reasons for these problems are mostly the usage of non-renewable energy resources. To prevent these problems humans started to use renewable resources for power production and which hydroelectric power is one of the leading ones.
It is estimated that there are more than 57,000 dams worldwide meaning that hydroelectric power is being used frequently. According to research one correctly placed dam can generate a whole city’s electricity. Today approximately 16% of the world’s electricity is being generated by hydroelectric generators. This means that hydroelectric power has an important place of world’s electricity distribution. But does that mean hydropower is 100% beneficial for the world?
Dams are built that much frequently because hydroelectrical power is one of the power types that can be obtained easily as there is a lot of streams all over the world. Moreover, the used water that can be used again to produce energy in the same process or for irrigation. At some parts of the world most of the irrigation water is supplied by dams. Also, some part of the water getting out from the dam can be used as reservoir.
Compared to the other renewable energy sources, hydropower is the most efficient one. Solar power is only a maximum of 30-36% efficient as they don’t generate electricity at night, wind power only 25-45% efficient as there must be wind. However, hydropower can be efficient up to 90% as water flow can maintained forever as there is approximately infinite amount of water flowing through. Also, the ability to adjust the amount of water flow per minute can help to generate electricity in needed amounts.
Finally, although the initial expense can be hefty, when a dam is built, the cost of obtaining energy is not much which means hydropower is inexpensive in the long run.
However, when you consider the disadvantages of dams you may think it is not 100% clean. First of all, building a dam is very expensive and can take a lot of time. During that time, habitats that are not receiving water can be destroyed. Also by building a dam you block the migration routes of aquatic organisms, hinder their reproduction, and sometimes species may become extinct.
Sometimes the amount of water level may be lower than normal level and this situation can cause an instant unexpected cut in energy production bringing drought with it. Also, you need to construct a dam to a stream. Although water is a nearly unlimited resource, there is already dams at the places that meet that requirement. As a result, the age of hydropower is going to end nearly.
In conclusion, regardless of disadvantages, hydropower is one of the power types humanity strictly needs. If this is the only solution for the regular energy production of an area, it must be used.
Resources:
https://kiwienergy.us/pros-and-cons-of-hydroelectric-energy/
https://earth.org/pros-and-cons-of-hydroelectric-energy/
https://www.energysage.com/about-clean-energy/hydropower/pros-cons-hydropower/