5 Reasons Hydropower is Underrated... and 6 Reasons it Might Never Make it Big
What is Hydropower?
As you know, sustainability goals are driving us to think of new ways to generate 'green' energy. Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is the generation of electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water. This sounds great, we hear you say, because the UK is an island. Water and, by extension, hydropower is definitely something we can work with. And you're right - for so many reasons...
No. 1: Renewability
Hydropower is a renewable energy source, as it relies on the water cycle. As long as there is rainfall and water flow, hydropower can be continuously generated. This great news in today's world.
No. 2: Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Hydropower generally produces lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources. It therefore contributes less to air pollution and climate change... another huge bonus.
No. 3: Reliability
This is not a word normally associated with a renewable energy source (for example, solar and wind), but hydropower is reliable... and predictable. The flow of water can be more easily managed and controlled, providing a consistent source of energy.
No. 4: Long Lifespan
With a lifespan of over 50 years, hydropower plants can provide energy for an extended period of time with relatively low maintenance costs. Can't get more sustainable than that, eh?
No. 5: Multiplier
In the Summer, what do we wish for during those water bans? If only we had more reservoirs. Fortunately, hydropower projects often require reservoirs to be created. These can then serve multiple purposes: the obvious one being water supply, but others include flood control and recreational activities (you always see the adrenaline-junkies water-skiing or something on cold, drizzly days).
However, it's not all plain sailing...
Problem A) Environmental Impact
But it's supposed to be good for the environment, right? It's sustainable! Yes... and no.
The construction of dams and reservoirs can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat disruption, altered water flow, and changes in water quality. As you can imagine, this can have a negative impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Problem B) Displacement
This is a pretty big problem: communities being displaced in order to create large reservoirs. This can lead to social and economic challenges for displaced populations.
Problem C) High Installation Costs
The construction of dams and hydropower facilities involves high initial capital costs. Whilst hydropower can be cost-effective in the long run, the upfront investment can be a barrier to hydropower being our first choice. (Personally, we think it is worth the investment. We like to look for future benefits!)
Problem D) Geography
Of course, not all regions have suitable conditions for hydropower generation. Having access to flowing water and suitable terrain is necessary, which, unfortunately, limits the widespread geographic availability of hydropower.
Problem E) Water Quality
Reservoirs created by hydropower projects may experience sedimentation over time, affecting water quality and the efficiency of power generation. Sedimentation is the build-up of sediment (the dregs of a liquid that sink to the bottom). This can lead to the need for periodic dredging, which can be time and cost consuming.
Problem F) Climate Change
Why do we need to use renewable energy sources? Because of climate change! There's just one problem with that: current climate change is messing things up. It can affect affect water availability and precipitation patterns, potentially impacting the reliability of hydropower generation in certain regions.
Final Thoughts
Hydropower is one of our personal favourites but it requires advances in technology and improved environmental practices to help address some of the drawbacks associated with it.
For more information, you could read about it on energy.gov or National Geographic.
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