Hydropower is a renewable energy source with plenty of benefits. Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy that the world uses daily. Hydropower is also something that can be found in many areas around the world. This means plenty of places use hydropower for their electricity needs.
In this article, we will learn the advantages of hydropower.
What is hydropower?
Hydropower is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the energy of flowing water, usually in the form of hydroelectric power. Hydropower generation can be done via dams, which are essentially large barriers or dikes used to channel water to a turbine or hydraulic device (such as an overhead or underground waterwheel).
How does hydropower produce electricity?
Hydroelectricity is produced using the kinetic energy generated by falling water, which spins turbines. The turbines rotate the generator’s shaft to generate electricity. In turn, this hydroelectricity is fed into the electrical grid to provide electricity for domestic, commercial, and industrial appliances.
What are the advantages of hydropower?
Here are some of the main advantages (or pros) that hydropower provides:
- Hydropower is an attractive alternative to fossil fuels because it is renewable, environmentally friendly, and produces no air pollution.
- It’s a renewable energy source, so the amount that can be generated is not limited by the availability of fossil fuels or other resources.
- Hydropower is a clean source of energy. Since it relies on gravity and the constant movement of water, it produces no greenhouse gases or other pollutants.
- Electricity generated by hydropower is affordable. In comparison to other sources of energy, hydropower produces low-cost electricity and is durable over the long term.
- It can easily produce electricity for homes, businesses, and industries.
- Hydropower has the potential to significantly impact climate change, as shown by the fact that it could reduce global carbon emissions by more than 50 percent by 2050.
- Hydropower can help reduce poverty in developing countries by providing reliable and low-cost electricity for households and businesses.
- It also has the potential to create jobs in rural areas and improve public health as people can light up at night instead of using kerosene lamps or candles or cooking over open fires.
- The benefits of hydroelectric extend beyond its use for generating electricity. It also provides flood control and a reliable source of clean drinking water.
- The benefits of hydropower facilities go beyond the generation of energy, as they can also be used for irrigation of crops in nearby areas. Particularly in areas prone to droughts and scarce rainfall.
These are the basic advantages or benefits of hydroelectricity. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy.
Why is hydropower popular?
The increasing interest in hydropower is due to the fact that it’s an excellent source of renewable energy. This means that it prevents global warming and increases green jobs.
Final Words
Hydropower is a type of renewable energy that can be generated by harnessing the power of moving water. It’s a nonpolluting energy source with many benefits, including providing inexpensive and clean energy, irrigation support, cheap electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth.
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- Pros & Cons of Diesel Power Plant
- Pros & Cons of Nuclear Power Plant
He is a research scholar at Aligarh Muslim University, India. His research interests include power electronics, electric vehicles, and bio signal analysis. He loves writing, traveling, and gardening in his free time.