Advantages of Hydroelectric Energy

Hydroelectric energy has many advantages, including renewability, zero emissions, and recreational opportunities.

FREMONT, CA: There are thousands upon thousands of dams worldwide, but only a few produce hydroelectric energy to power our homes and businesses. Check out a few of the advantages of hydroelectric energy.

Hydroelectric energy has many advantages, including renewability, zero emissions, and recreational opportunities.

Here are some of the advantages of hydroelectric energy below.

1. It's Good for the Environment

Although hydroelectric energy has some disadvantages, it is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of energy production available today. It employs no fossil fuels, produces toxic emissions, and offers a steady supply of clean energy.

So, what's not to love? While dams can have a heavy influence on the Environment, the only pollution these dams create is from the primary construction. The real production of energy produces no carbon emissions.

2. It's a Renewable Resource

"Water, water all over the place but not a drop to drink." While you won't be drinking straightaway from a river (or ocean) anytime soon, one of the main benefits of hydro energy is that water is nearly everywhere and can be used to produce hydroelectric energy.

In addition, because of the water cycle, it is a renewable resource that doesn't run out—enabling us to conserve confined and non-renewable resources for other applications.

Reduced demand for external fuel sources may support lessened conflict and improve economic problems for countries that strive to get fuel from international sources. Rather, they can offer clean, domestic power with hydro energy. Hydroelectric energy is also great because it creates greater energy independence for countries.

3. It's Reliable and Highly Efficient

One of the greatest pros of hydroelectric energy is that it is one of the most effective energy resources in the world. Consider that solar power is merely a maximum of 30-36% efficient, wind power only 25-45% efficient, and coal power is only 33-40% efficient. These methods pale compared to hydro energy, which is up to 90% efficient at converting water into electricity.

Hydroelectric energy also has little to no downtime since the water flow is only blocked for general repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. Solar power, contrarily, reduces production every night when the sun goes down, and wind power is just good as long as there is a steady breeze.

4. It's Flexible

Hydroelectric energy is constant, unlike other forms of power like solar, wind, or coal. This means electricity can be made available when needed, reducing energy waste. Water flow to produce energy can easily be altered to meet supply demands.

5. It's Safe

Unlike many other forms of energy production, dams producing hydro energy have been fairly safe over the years. Most issues or problems result from poor construction and low safety standards in older dams. Another benefit of hydroelectric energy in this situation is that no combustible fuel is involved, reducing the risks allied with fossil fuels or nuclear energy.

6. It's Economical

Although the initial cost can be hefty, once a hydroelectric dam is up and running, the cost of maintenance and employee wages is comparatively low. Plus, water doesn't fluctuate in costs like traditional fossil and imported fuels. As a result, countries that use hydroelectric power can save a lot of money, and some countries, like Paraguay, can get nearly all of their energy from hydroelectric dams.

7. It's Great for Recreational Use

Finally, dams generally create reservoirs. If you live around a reservoir or have ever inspected one, you know that it's a man-made lake where people relish fishing, boating, swimming, windsurfing, and more. There are even some well-known reservoirs you may have heard of, like Lake Mead, created by the Hoover Dam.

Hydroelectric energy has many great advantages, including energy independence and a sustainable energy source for the future.

8. It's a Fundamental Vehicle for Development

Apart from being an abundant energy source, one of the pros of hydroelectric energy is that it is an efficient and fundamental vehicle for developing new and established communities.

Hydroelectric power plants can do this in several ways, the first being that they can supply a huge amount of energy to communities, even to those that are remote.

They can also supply the reason for highway construction, attract different industries, and give an overall boost in commerce. All these benefits improve the overall quality of life of residents who utilize this power source.

Also, hydroelectric energy creates sustainable development, meaning that it won't affect future generations' capability to tackle their own unique needs.