The Top 10 Benefits of HydroPower

by Andrew Ciccone May 10, 2018

Hydropower is a renewable energy source that produces no air pollution or toxic byproducts.

Hydropower is one of the oldest power sources on the planet, generating power when flowing water spins a wheel or turbine. The power of water has been harnessed since ancient Greece to grind grains.

Hydroelectric power helped drive the industrial revolution’s engine beginning of the 1800’s and provided mechanical power for textile and machine industries. Niagara Falls was the first hydroelectric generating facility built in 1881, the turbines powered by the falls powered nighttime lighting for visiting tourists to the falls. The Hoover Dam is one the most well known Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Hydropower costs less than most energy sources. Idaho, Washington, and Oregon have the lowest energy bills in the country because they get the majority of their electricity from hydropower. 

Here are the Top Ten Benefits of HydroPower:  

1.  Efficient Source Of Energy  
   The upfront costs of constructing a hydropower plant are high, however once operational, the costs to operate and maintain the plant are extremely low. Water is not affected by market shifts that may trigger energy prices to fluctuate or rise uncontrollably. The average lifespan of a hydroelectric power plant is between 50 to 100 years.

2.  An Abundant Renewable Energy Resource
   Renewable energy is the future. Sun, wind and water can be harnessed infinitely as they are abundant natural resources.

3.  Eco-Friendly
   Hydroelectric power is a clean source of energy, as it produces small amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gases are limited, dirty sources that produce toxic byproducts that harm the environment.

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4.  Hydropower Is Constantly Available
   Unlike other renewable energy sources like wind and solar that are only available at specific times, hydropower is constantly available. Wind energy is only available when it’s windy. Solar energy is only available when the sun is shining. 

5.  Secondary Economic Benefits
   Hydropower promotes commerce, industry, and assists build up infrastructure providing people with easy access to education and health. The local economy is propped up by the creation of new jobs, recreation, tourism, and investments.

6.  Increases Eco Awareness And Environmental Stewardship
   The impact to the environment increases the community’s awareness about how a hydropower plant affects local animal species and the surrounding ecosystems. People become more aware and better stewards of our planet.

7.  Provide Continuous Water Supply
   The water that naturally powers the businesses and homes also can be used to irrigate crops and provide clean drinking water. This continuous water supply insulates communities from being susceptible to both droughts and floods.

8.  Electricity Generation
   Hydropower today is a relatively inexpensive source of energy for consumers and has little effect on the environment and climate change. Fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are costly, comparably unstable and toxic to the environment.

9.  Agricultural Advantages
   Hydropower provides clean, pure natural water to farms crops and livestock.

10.  Helps Bridge The Energy Gap
    Fossil fuels are increasingly becoming scarce and exceedingly expensive. Hydropower, along with solar and wind power are the future. Hydropower plants can dispatch power to the grid immediately, they provide essential back-up power during major electricity disruptions. Hydropower makes the U.S. stronger by being less dependent on foreign fossil fuels the U.S.

 

Despite the fact that hydropower might not be entirely perfect, it is a clean and reliable source of energy with numerous benefits to the society and environment. Only a small percentage of the available hydropower potential has been harnessed in this country. Let’s move forward and embrace this powerful, abundant natural resource to power our economy.  

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