Advantages of Hydropower Energy Utilization

Hydropower is one of renewable energy source that using water to generates energy. It means that we can always use and take the advantages of hydropower without even eliminating the energy source -in this case, water- from the use of it.

The facts about hydropower energy also explain the efficiency of water power utilization. Hydropower is environment friendly and the least expensive when compared to other energy resources. Because of these advantages, hydropower is now applied by many countries as their way to produce the electricity.

Aside from all of the advantages of hydropower, does it have some serious side effects? Or, did the water power advantages is worth enough to cover the side effect? Well, to answer that question, check out the following discussion below.

List of hydropower advantages

Absolutely there will be no pollutants. Hydropower is not using any fuel, therefore it causing no pollutants, no emissions, no waste, only clean energy. Say goodbye to the greenhouse effect and acid rain!

It is reliable. Yes, this is one of the advantages of hydropower that other renewable energy sources doesn’t have. Rainfall as the energy supply can always be predicted, unlike the case with wind energy.

It is producing constant energy. Unlike the solar power that having time period where the energy supply is interrupted (in the night and on an overcast day), water power energy supply is always steady.

It is adjustable, based on the energy demands. The water flow that affects the amount of energy generated can always be adjusted.

There are also economical advantages of hydropower. We all surely know how high the price of fuel? Well, since hydropower doesn’t use any fuel, the country can save its fuel budget for other purpose. Also, the cost of operation and maintenance of hydropower system is relatively low.

It is highly efficient. Hydro turbines can convert at least 95% of the energy into electricity, and once again without fuel.

Reservoir also provides many benefits; it may improve the local water supply and may protect the area from flood.

Water power disadvantages

Everything that is beneficial must have price to be paid. So do the water power system, it has some disadvantages as the side effect for the advantages. The reservoir dams may affect the fish population as it may block the fish from migration. Turbines my affect the water quality and flow. The building of the dam itself may causing geological damage and triggered an earthquake.

Therefore, in dam and reservoir construction, we have to think about these aspects seriously and prevent the worst to happen. So we can always take the advantages of hydropower without destroying the natural balance.