The Earth’s surface is made up of approximately 70% water. Water is a very important element for the life of living beings and the functioning of the planet; without it we could not live. But did you know that energy can be generated with water? Yes, we can generate energy from it and in a more beneficial way than you might initially believe.
If you want to know more about hydraulic energy or hydroelectric energy, since it is with this that we obtain electricity, continue reading this article from Green Ecology in which we reveal a very frequent doubt in this field: is hydraulic energy renewable or not? The advantages and disadvantages of this and more interesting data will also be shown here.
What is hydropower?
Hydropower is one of the oldest forms of energy and, thanks to technology, has undergone great changes and advances over the years.
This energy is generated thanks to the movement of water that occurs in rivers and reservoirs . The water moves a turbine that generates electrical energy and this goes directly to the electrical grid. There are two types of hydroelectric power plants:
- Run-of-river hydroelectric power plants.
- Hydroelectric power plants at the foot of the dam.
For more information you can read this other article on What is hydraulic energy and examples .
Is hydropower renewable or not?
YES, hydroelectric power is a renewable energy , which means that it is impossible for it to run out as it is replenished by rain and snowmelt. Hydroelectric power is the most widely used energy in the world, although it is true that the development of solar energy and wind energy are gradually becoming renewable energy sources of special importance. Learn more about Renewable energy: advantages and disadvantages here and in this other link learn about Renewable and non-renewable energy: examples and summary .
Now that it has been clarified that hydropower is renewable , we will now discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hydropower and data on a global level.
Advantages of hydraulic energy
The main advantages of hydraulic energy will be discussed below :
- Renewable energy: as we have already mentioned, it is an energy that can always be used, that is, it is inexhaustible. This is because the resource used to generate it, water, comes from rain and from melting snow when the warm season begins.
- Reusable: the same water that has been used to generate energy can be used again.
- Its production is flexible: depending on the energy demand needed, a greater or lesser quantity can be produced. Hydroelectric power plants are located under reservoirs, which is where the water is stored. Since the water is stored in the reservoirs, it can be used as needed.
- Stable: Compared to solar or wind energy, which depend on the weather conditions at the time, hydroelectric energy is more stable as it does not depend on whether it is raining or not, thanks to the water accumulated in reservoirs.
- Economical: The cost to generate electricity from this energy is really low with a global average cost of 0.05 US/kWh [1] .
- Safe: This energy is largely environmentally friendly as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and no waste is generated in its production. It should also be noted that the natural resource used is inexhaustible and does not have an impact on the environment.
Disadvantages of hydraulic power
Hydroelectric power, despite being renewable and having many advantages, also has some disadvantages that prevent it from being fully exploited. These are the main disadvantages of hydroelectric power :
- Environmental impact: although it is a renewable energy and this helps it not to be harmful to the environment, it does have negative environmental consequences since large spaces are needed to build hydroelectric plants. The construction of these plants is harmful to ecosystems and the living beings that inhabit them, such as plants and animals. In addition, the physical-chemical quality of the water is deteriorated.
- Prolonged drought: we use water to generate this type of energy, although it is true that it is renewable and does not depend on daily rainfall, it could be affected by a prolonged drought. A drought would reduce the water supply to reservoirs, with the consequence that it could not be used for energy generation.
- Water priority: In some regions with water shortages, priority is given to using water for livestock and agricultural activities and for supplying water to populations. Therefore, in regions with less water accumulation in reservoirs, the use of water to generate energy is not developed or does not reach its full potential.
- Location of hydroelectric plants: they are usually located in areas far from places of consumption, such as towns, which is why methods are necessary to transport energy from one place to another, resulting in energy loss and an impact on the environment.
To expand this information we recommend this other article from EcologíaVerde on the Advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic energy .
Hydropower worldwide
Although it is true that hydroelectric power has some disadvantages, its advantages are greater, which is why it is still used to generate electricity. Within renewable energies , globally, hydroelectric power is the one that generates the most electricity in the world with almost 67%. This energy is contributing to compliance with the Paris Agreement, thus slowing the acceleration of climate change and contributing to sustainable development.
