NEW DISCOVERY - Renewable Energy Sources - Hydroelectric

NEW DISCOVERY - Renewable Energy Sources - Hydroelectric. One of our often overlooked sources of renewable energy is hydroelectric or the use of water to produce electricity. The basic concept of hydropower best described as the use of water flow to a turbine, and this spinning action produces electricity. It's a bit more complex than that, but you can simply put as the energy of flowing water into mechanical energy to make energy, mechanical to electrical energy. Here are some interesting facts about this renewable energy source.

* About 20% of world electricity is produced by hydro-An interesting fact I found is that only 20% of world electricity is produced by hydropower, which represents 88% of all renewable sources. Leading the way today's plants are coal gas, nuclear, and natural energy.

* Pros-The only important factor in water use for energy is the economy. There is no fuel cost associated with this type of power plants, which is a great advantage over others. As a continued rise in fuel costs, operating costs are minimal water. The life of a hydroelectric plant is to be determined because many plants are still operating 100 years. Most plants today are almost completely automated requiring fewer staff to maintain. A couple of other advantages are not CO2 emissions, since there is no burning, and become great recreational areas for boaters and their families.

* Cons-has been shown that dams cause changes in ecosystems, both downstream and upstream caused by water flow. Damage can be extensive, depending on the size and flow of power plant system. The build process does not change down the river beds and have been known to cause flooding and destruction of the earth. Numerous studies are underway to better design and less downstream effects of the ecosystem. Flow of water scarcity can occur when energy demand is high and the river drops to levels of generation must cease. This is an area that is also being studied with a better design cursed.

* Compared to other renewable energy sources-If you were to compare the generation of hydroelectric power for wind power generation, is the use of water is much more predictable than the use of wind farms. It is easier to regulate the power distribution based on rain fall and water availability.

As you can see hydropower is a widely used resource compared to other types of energy production means, but needs further study and better designs of the environmental damage. However, being a renewable energy source, which certainly has its advantages over nuclear fuel, fossil plants, natural gas and electricity.

Electricity to our homes and businesses have shown a viable need for our society. As we continue to need more electricity, we have to use more renewable energy sources such as hydropower.