Hydroelectric is something that many people are starting to discuss as an option for green energy. While hydroelectric isn’t used worldwide, it is used in various regions and we’re learning more and more about this option for energy.
Today we wanted to share some of the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy to help you better understand the full picture.
Good for the Environment
While you’ll continue to read and learn about some disadvantages of hydroelectric energy it is very good for the environment. It’s one of the more environmentally friendly green energy options out there. Hydroelectric energy needs the initial building of a dam for this energy option to work, but beyond that there is no environmental stress caused, making it an excellent option for clean green energy.
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Easily Sourced
Hydroelectric energy uses water and we have plenty of water to go around on Earth. While some people don’t have drinking water, there is access to water that’s useful for hydroelectric power. This means you can use water as a sustainable green energy source anywhere around the world.
Dam Does Impact Environment
During the process of creating a hydroelectric dam, the environment takes a hit. This means while the final product, the hydroelectric plant is extremely environmentally-friendly, the process of making the dam is not. During the process of creating a dam, it can interfere with the natural habitats of local wildlife.
Can Displace People
While people who live near a water source that’s about to be used for hydroelectric power will be paid to move, it’s still unsettling to have to uproot your life because of a new hydroelectric plant. This is often a negative impact of creating hydroelectric energy systems around the world. People are being forced from their lifelong homes so their community can have a green energy source.
It’s Expensive
Most green energy sources aren’t cost-effective yet, but hydroelectric energy costs quite a lot! It’s expensive to build the dam, in some cases it cost $18 million throughout 18 year time to build just one dam. This can cause increases in local and federal taxes.
Provides Energy to Remote Locations
Hydroelectric power can provide energy to a variety of upcoming communities, including more remote locations. Sometimes this green energy option provides value to the local community by allowing more highways to be built, and other community needs which increases the livelihood of those around the hydroelectric energy plant’s reach.
These are just some of the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy. We wanted to share some of the ways this green energy option may be useful in our world, at least once the technology is more advanced for us to use regularly.