Alternative Energy Sources
Alternative energy are sources of energy that are described to be environmentally friend forms of energy and more sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources that have been used for years. Alternative energy has been shown to have less impact on our environment. When using these types of energy, it is hopeful for our world to become less dependent on our non-renewable traditional fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and fossil fuels. Which would help lower greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change, and reduce our need to use the non-renewable energy.
With any subject dealing with mankind's need for sustainability, there will always be back and forth on whether it is what is best for the environment. Various categories of dispute were made in regard to alternative energy. Categories such as environmental protection, sustainability, energy independence, economic growth, technological advancements, climate change, so on and so forth.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity, which can also be known as hydropower, is the second largest source of renewable source of power. It is very similar to wind power, using kinetic energy from water to turn and grind grain. Though most hydro power is limited to places that have large water resources, this can be deemed as a disadvantage due to the fact that
only 34 states use hydropower. On top of the need for large water source, it can also be influences by river flow. Depending on the season, water levels can affect the strength of water flow.
Advantages:
The advantages of hydroelectric power are as follows. This type of energy is labeled as a renewable energy source and has high sustainability. Since it's a type of energy that relies one natural springs, rivers, lakes, and other water sources, it remains unlimited even over the human timescale.
Hydropower output has less environmental impact meaning it gives off lower amounts of greenhouse gasses. It doesn't release any carbon dioxide or other pollutants, so this energy release little to no emissions. Thus, resulting in mitigation to climate change by reducing the use of fossil fuels.
In certain states where flood is an issue, this type of energy allows to prevent floods and allows water management. Dams and reservoirs that have been associated with the hydroelectricity have helped prevent unexpected flooding from heavy rain or snow melting, this makes hydropower plants an important part of water management and flood control strategies. Irrigation allows proper water management, which is very crucial to areas in the agricultural industry.
Hydroelectricity is common to have low operating cost and low maintenance cost. operational and maintenance costs are relatively low compared to other forms of electricity generation, such as coal or nuclear. Hydropower plants have long lifespans (often 30–50 years or more) with relatively minimal maintenance required, making them cost-effective in the long term.
On top of the other advantages, another plus that hydroelectricity offers is job creation and economic benefits. This is on both for local employment opportunities and local industry level. These are a few advantages that come with hydroelectricity.
Disadvantages:
Though hydropower is known to produce little to no greenhouse gasses, it still has impact on the environment where the hydropower is located in. The construction of dams and reservoirs can significantly alter local ecosystems, disrupting natural river flows, wildlife habitats, and plant life. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity, particularly for species that rely on specific water conditions. Dams can block the natural migration routes of fish, such as salmon, which rely on free-flowing rivers for spawning. This can lead to population declines and disrupt local fisheries.
Another way disadvantage is the relocation of communities' Large hydroelectric dams often require the flooding of large areas of land, which can displace local communities, particularly indigenous groups and rural populations. People who live in the areas to be flooded may face forced relocation and loss of livelihoods
Dam failures is a big thing that is consider a disadvantage. With a dam failure it could lead to other issues, such as major floods, safety concerns, and major damages in areas that are prone to earthquakes.
Though these are only a few disadvantages, upon further research I'm sure more can be found.
Hydroelectric displacement — DRAN. (n.d.). DRAN. https://mitdisplacement.org/hydroelectric-displacement
Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia.
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