Advantages of Hydroelectric Energy

• Renewable. Hydropower is completely renewable, which means it will never run out unless the water stops flowing

• Emission Free

• Reliable

• Adjustable

• Create Lakes

• Faster Developed Land

• Impact on Fish

• Limited Plant Locations

Detailed Advantages

1. Renewable

Hydropower is completely renewable, which means it will never run out unless the water stops flowing. As a result,  hydro plants are built to last. In some cases, equipment that was built to last 25 years is still operational after double the amount of time has passed.

2. Emission Free

The creation of hydroelectricity does not release emissions into the atmosphere. This is, of course, the biggest appeal of any renewable energy source.

3. Reliable

Hydropower is, by far, the most reliable renewable energy available in the world. Unlike when the sun goes down or when the wind dies down, water usually has a constant and steady flow 24/7.

4. Adjustable

Since hydropower is so reliable, hydro plants can actually adjust the flow of water. This allows the plant to produce more energy when it is required or reduce the energy output when it is not needed. This is something that no other renewable energy source can do.

5. Create Lakes

Lakes can be used for recreational purposes and can even help draw in tourists. Look no further than Lake Mead. It was created as a result of the Hoover dam and brought in over 7.5 million visitors in 2018. This can give nearby towns a huge boost economically.

6. Faster Developed Land

Since hydro dams can only be built in specific locations, they can help develop the land for nearby towns and cities. This is because it takes a lot of equipment to build a dam. To transport it, highways and roads must be built, which helps open new paths for rural towns.

Hydropower fuels economy with affordable electricity, jobs

 The economic benefits of hydropower in the Northwest are seen in several ways, from the reasonable rates on the electric bills of residents and businesses, to the secondary benefits of job creation, new business development, recreation opportunities and increased agricultural production.

Hydroelectric dams in the Northwest produce more electricity than any other North American river system. Hydroelectric power is a domestic source of energy, allowing each state to produce their own energy without being reliant on international fuel sources.

Because hydropower costs less than most energy sources, states that get the majority of their electricity from hydropower — like Idaho, Washington and Oregon — have lower energy bills than the rest of the country.

​Hydropower’s reliability, flexibility supports other renewables

The rivers of the northwest are not only icons of the region’s natural beauty, but also a constant supply of energy. Rain and snow feed the water cycle, providing a renewable resource to meet the energy demands of millions while seamlessly integrating other renewables such as wind and solar. 

Just as the river is always flowing, hydroelectric dams have the ability to constantly generate electricity. Hydroelectric generators can respond to increased power demands at any time of the day or night, and in any given weather condition regardless of wind or sunshine.

Because hydroelectric dams can dispatch power to the grid instantly, they provide essential back-up power during major electricity disruptions. Hydropower is also unique among energy sources in its ability to resume operations without needing to draw power from another source.

lean energy supports the region’s clean air and water

The largest source of clean power in the United States is hydropower. Hydropower is fueled by rain and snow, making it a clean fuel and renewable source. Hydropower accounts for 90 percent of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest and almost half of all renewables in the U.S.

1. Hydroelectricity is a renewable energy source.

Hydroelectricity uses the energy of running water, without reducing its quantity, to produce electricity. Therefore, all hydroelectric developments, of small or large size, whether run of the river or of accumulated storage, fit the concept of renewable energy.

2. Hydroelectricity makes it feasible to utilize other renewable sources.

Hydroelectric power plants with accumulation reservoirs offer incomparable operational flexibility, since they can immediately respond to fluctuations in the demand for electricity. The flexibility and storage capacity of hydroelectric power plants make them more efficient and economical in supporting the use of intermittent sources of renewable energy, such as solar energy or Aeolian energy.

3. Hydroelectricity promotes guaranteed energy and price stability.

River water is a domestic resource which, contrary to fuel or natural gas, is not subject to market fluctuations. In addition to this, it is the only large renewable source of electricity and its cost-benefit ratio, efficiency, flexibility and reliability assist in optimizing the use of thermal power plants.

4. Hydroelectricity contributes to the storage of drinking water.

Hydroelectric power plant reservoirs collect rainwater, which can then be used for consumption or for irrigation. In storing water, they protect the water tables against depletion and reduce our vulnerability to floods and droughts.

5. Hydroelectricity increases the stability and reliability of electricity systems.

The operation of electricity systems depends on rapid and flexible generation sources to meet peak demands, maintain the system voltage levels, and quickly re-establish supply after a blackout. Energy generated by hydroelectric installations can be injected into the electricity system faster than that of any other energy source. The capacity of hydroelectric systems to reach maximum production from zero in a rapid and foreseeable manner makes them exceptionally appropriate for addressing alterations in the consumption and providing ancillary services to the electricity system, thus maintaining the balance between the electricity supply and demand.

6. Hydroelectricity helps fight climate changes.

The hydroelectric life cycle produces very small amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG). In emitting less GHG than power plants driven by gas, coal or oil, hydroelectricity can help retard global warming. Although only 33% of the available hydroelectric potential has been developed, today hydroelectricity prevents the emission of GHG corresponding to the burning of 4.4 million barrels of petroleum per day worldwide.

7. Hydroelectricity improves the air we breathe.

Hydroelectric power plants don't release pollutants into the air. They very frequently substitute the generation from fossil fuels, thus reducing acid rain and smog. In addition to this, hydroelectric developments don't generate toxic by-products.

8. Hydroelectricity offers a significant contribution to development.

Hydroelectric installations bring electricity, highways, industry and commerce to communities, thus developing the economy, expanding access to health and education, and improving the quality of life. Hydroelectricity is a technology that has been known and proven for more than a century. Its impacts are well understood and manageable through measures for mitigating and compensating the damages. It offers a vast potential and is available where development is most necessary.

9. Hydroelectricity means clean and cheap energy for today and for tomorrow

With an average lifetime of 50 to 100 years, hydroelectric developments are long-term investments that can benefit various generations. They can be easily upgraded to incorporate more recent technologies and have very low operating and maintenance costs.

10. Hydroelectricity is a fundamental instrument for sustainable development.

Hydroelectric enterprises that are developed and operated in a manner that is economically viable, environmentally sensible and socially responsible represent the best concept of sustainable development. That means, "development that today addresses people's needs without compromising the capacity of future generations for addressing their own needs" (World Commission on the Environment and Development, 1987).