Hydroelectricity is the energy that can be produced by the moving water. The hydroelectric power plant is the machine that supports the production of sufficient electrical energy supply. Actually, this has been used in the early years. Since it is mainly produced by water, the energy that it generates is called hydroelectric energy. The ancient Romans are those people who built the very first model of turbines. These are wheels that are usually turned by the water. At first, these turbines are only used in grinding grains and in creating breads and flours. As time goes by, this was officially used in creating electricity.
Hydroelectric energy is connected to the power of water. The water that flows in the turbines will make the turbines rotate depending on the water’s flow. While it spins the turbines continuously, the process of electricity generation also begins. Hydroelectric power always needs sufficient energy to work. Hydroelectric power is widely used in some countries due to the benefits that it provides. Actually, hydroelectric energy is also free.
Below is a list of the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy.
The Top 5 Pros Of Hydroelectric Energy
This form of energy can provides the following benefits:
1. Renewable
Hydroelectric energy is truly renewable. Even though it is renewable, it still has limited number of reservoirs wherein hydroelectric power plants will be built.
2. Doesn’t Pollute the Air
The machines used in producing hydroelectric energy do not pollute the air. They actually work quietly and safe not only to the environment but to humans as well.
3. Reliable
It is very reliable to use especially when there is a sufficient supply of flowing water. Due to the benefits that it provides to people, several countries decided to build hydroelectric power plants of their own.
4. Safe
In contrast to nuclear energy and fossil fuel, the form of electricity that is produced by water is safer to use. The machines that are used here can work even without the use of fuel.
5. Flexible
Changing the flow of water and the electricity output is so easy in hydroelectric power plant.
The Top 4 Cons of Hydroelectric Energy
On the other, hydroelectric energy is also associated with certain issues like:
1. Drought
Drought is the one of the reasons why some hydro power plants require the consumers to pay high electric bill.
2. Limited Reservoirs
Due to limited reservoirs, only few communities can use hydroelectric energy.
3. Environmental Consequence
The environmental consequence of this power plant is the intervention of nature due to damming of water, construction of power lines and roads as well as the alteration in the flow of water. Aside from that, it can also affect the fish and other biological factors that are present in the water. It can shape the water velocity, access of foods, shelter opportunities, and water level which are the physical factors.
4. Expensive
Building power plant is really expensive so you need to spend more if you consider the use of it.
How Do You Feel About Hydroelectric Energy?
These are the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy. Even though it has disadvantages, hydroelectricity energy still provides helpful and reliable benefits that use by lots of people in their everyday needs. After all, what can you say about this?