Pros of hydropower
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The Pros of Hydropower: A Comprehensive Overview
Renewable Energy Source
Hydropower is a clean, renewable, and environmentally friendly source of energy. It contributes significantly to the global energy supply, producing approximately 3930 terawatt-hours per year, which accounts for 16% of the world's generated electricity and about 78% of renewable electricity generation5. This makes hydropower a crucial player in the transition towards a sustainable and less carbon-intensive energy system6.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
One of the most significant advantages of hydropower is its role in mitigating climate change. By replacing fossil fuel-based power generation, hydropower helps avoid the emission of approximately 3 gigatons of CO2 annually, which represents about 9% of global annual CO2 emissions5. This substantial reduction in greenhouse gases underscores hydropower's importance in global efforts to combat climate change.
Energy Storage and Grid Stability
Hydropower plants, especially those with reservoirs, provide a reliable means of storing large amounts of energy. This stored energy can be released instantly to meet electricity demand, making hydropower a flexible and dependable source of baseload power2. This capability is particularly valuable in balancing the intermittent nature of other renewable energy sources like solar and wind9.
Multipurpose Water Resource Management
Hydropower projects often serve multiple purposes beyond electricity generation. They can support irrigation, flood control, and water supply, thereby contributing to broader water resource management goals. This multipurpose use can subsidize other valuable functions of a reservoir or river system, enhancing the overall utility of hydropower installations1.
Technological Advancements and Efficiency Improvements
Recent technological advancements have further enhanced the sustainability and efficiency of hydropower. Innovations such as ecologically improved turbines, digitalization, and better governing systems have minimized environmental impacts and improved operational efficiency. For instance, digitalization can improve efficiency by 1.2%, and new turbine designs can reduce fish mortality and improve habitat availability3.
Economic and Social Benefits
Hydropower projects, particularly small hydropower (SHP) plants, have been instrumental in improving access to electricity in underdeveloped and developing regions. These projects contribute to social empowerment and sustainable development goals by providing a reliable and cost-effective energy source. SHP plants are also characterized by low investment costs and high adaptability, making them a viable option for many regions7.
Climate Change Adaptation
Hydropower projects can also play a role in adapting to the impacts of climate change. Reservoirs with large storage capacities can act as buffers against changes in water availability, making regulated basins more resilient to climate variability. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining water resource availability in the face of changing climate conditions5.
Utilization of Existing Infrastructure
Another advantage of hydropower is its potential for integration with existing infrastructure. Utilizing existing hydraulic structures, such as irrigation pipes and reservoirs, can significantly reduce installation costs and investment periods. This approach not only saves costs but also minimizes environmental impacts by avoiding the need for new construction3.
Conclusion
Hydropower offers numerous benefits, including renewable energy generation, significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy storage capabilities, and multipurpose water resource management. Technological advancements and the utilization of existing infrastructure further enhance its sustainability and efficiency. Additionally, hydropower projects contribute to social and economic development, particularly in underdeveloped regions. Despite some environmental and social challenges, the overall advantages of hydropower make it a vital component of the global renewable energy landscape.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Hydropower potential and development activities
Hydropower has a substantial role to play in world energy supply, offering environmental and technical advantages, and its development as part of multipurpose water resources schemes can subsidize other valuable functions.
Highly CitedThe diversity of hydropower projects
Hydroelectric projects vary in services and environmental impacts, but reservoirs provide the highest level of electricity supply services and can be used for cost-effective development of run-of-river plants with minimal environmental impacts.
Highly CitedHydropower Case Study Collection: Innovative Low Head and Ecologically Improved Turbines, Hydropower in Existing Infrastructures, Hydropeaking Reduction, Digitalization and Governing Systems
New technologies and practices in hydropower can minimize environmental impacts, improve efficiency, and promote local sustainable development while reducing costs.
Sustainable hydropower in the 21st century
Sustainable hydropower requires considering negative social and environmental impacts, climate change, governance, compensation, and innovative solutions to address social and environmental concerns in developing countries.
Highly CitedThe Role of Hydropower in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: A Review
Hydropower contributes significantly to climate change mitigation and could play a key role in water resource availability adaptation, but careful attention is needed to mitigate environmental and social costs.
Highly CitedImpacts of climate change, policy and Water-Energy-Food nexus on hydropower development
Climate change and policy impacts hydropower development globally, with Asia, Africa, and Latin America promoting capacity expansion, while Europe and North America focus on performance improvement and environmental impacts mitigation.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedA Comprehensive Study on the Recent Progress and Trends in Development of Small Hydropower Projects
Small hydropower projects show promise for sustainable development and social empowerment, but cost and regulatory issues hinder their growth in many nations.
Sustainability assessment of hydropower projects
Sustainability assessment of hydropower projects should consider all environmental impacts, including GHG emissions, to effectively predict their future growth and effectiveness.
Literature ReviewClimate change and the hydropower sector: A global review
Climate change's impact on hydropower is difficult to predict and may be positive, negative, or inconsequential, depending on local conditions and energy market.
Literature ReviewHighly Cited