10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower Energy
Back to: UGC NET Paper 1- Unit 9
10 Advantages and disadvantages of hydropower energy
Hydropower is a renewable energy generated from water. It is derived from various water sources such as turbines, dams, waterfalls, and rivers. Hydropower is eco-friendly form of energy and does not pollute the environment.
Advantages of Hydropower Energy
The several advantages of hydropower energy are the following:
1). Hydropower does not contaminate the water or cause polluting on the atmosphere.
2). It is a clean and renewable resource which is indefinitely available throughout the year.
3). Hydropower can be used for agriculture and irrigation activities, and multiples other purposes as well.
4). Hydropower is cost effective and is not expensive in the long run. The operating and maintenance cost is low and it does not require many working staffs.
5). Hydropower can meet large scale demand of electricity and it requires no fuel for running it.
6). Hydropower stores water which can be useful for future use or during emergencies.
7). Hydropower is a reliable source of energy unlike solar power and wind power.
8). Hydropower is durable and provides electricity in needful times making it a morepractical option than other sources of energy.
9). Hydropower provides a contaminated free or clean source of drinking water.
10). Hydro energy is emission free which means it does not release any toxic gases in the atmosphere.
Disadvantages of Hydropower Energy
The disadvantages of hydropower are plenty too which are the following:
1). Hydropower has the danger of causing floods on nearby places and damaging of biodiversity.
2). The installation of hydropower facilities in the beginning is an expensive process.
3). Even though hydropowers are a reliable source of energy, it relies completely on water bodies and sometimes the water flow may be low.
4). Hydropowers can have an adverse effect on fishes and other sea animals. It also means that marine life will not be able to access water. Thus, aquatic life is affected by the building of hydro plants.
5). Hydropower leads to the submersion of several agricultural lands and human habitation.
6). Hydropowers are not suitable to be constructed everywhere so not all places can benefit from it.
7). As hydro plants fully rely on water in the particular location so shortage of water can lead to droughts. With global warming and climate change increasing, this could be a frequent and more risky issue.
8). Dams built at higher altitudes can pose a serious threat for nearby populaces and the town. Even though dams are built strong, sometimes heavy rainfall can burst or collapse the dam which can cause the life of people.
9). Hydro plants need large lands for its construction so the setting up of the infrastructure takes up a lot of space and time as well.
10). Dams can be constructed only in limited numbers and water must be available in abundance for hydropower to function smoothly at all times.
