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The community benefits from using hydropower, which was the first and most straightforward
method of generating electricity.1 Hydroelectricity still provides for the greatest portion of the
world's electricity even if renewable energy sources like solar and wind are quickly catching up
with it.
This method for generating electricity is a renewable energy source. Due to the fact that it
generates power using water from the earth, it is regarded as renewable. This suggests that we
cannot exhaust it and do not need to be concerned about it becoming costly due to scarcity.
However, there aren't many areas that are appropriate for constructing hydroelectric power
plants, and even fewer places where doing so would be advantageous. Hydropower is a "green"
and "clean" alternative energy source, as well. It produces fewer greenhouse emissions than
fossil fuel-based power sources, which reduces pollution, acid rain, and climate change.
Hydroelectric power stations do not release any harmful or greenhouse gases into the
environment when they are producing electricity; but contamination does occur when the power
plants are being constructed.2
Despite its high initial construction costs, it is a cost-effective source of energy. 3 Given that they
have an average lifespan of 50 to 100 years, they are wise investments that can support several
future generations. Additionally, they have significantly lower operating and maintenance costs
and are easily adaptable to current technological demands. Since the machinery is automated and
only a few personnel are needed to generate electricity, these "green energy" sources have low
maintenance costs.4 By providing electricity to rural regions, with the use of hydropower plants,
we may encourage the development of highways, industry, and commerce, improve access to
healthcare and education, and improve the general standard of living for locals. The water from
the lake may also be used for irrigation. In case of a water scarcity, hydroelectric power plants
allow us to store vast quantities of water that may be utilized for both human and agricultural
purposes. Being able to preserve water helps us because it lessens our susceptibility to droughts
and floods and prevents the depletion of water supplies.
On the other hand, Hydroelectric power plants have numerous advantages, but like any energy
source, they must be developed and used wisely to minimize risks and downsides. The
construction of large dams on rivers and their obstruction can have detrimental environmental
and social repercussions, including changing the river's typical flow, preventing migratory fish
from passing, causing abrupt floods, increasing the frequency of earthquakes, and uprooting
local populations. Natural water flow disruptions may significantly affect the environment and
the river ecology. When there is a food shortage or the start of the breeding season, some fish
species and other wildlife typically migrate. Dam construction may block their migration routes,
preventing fish reproduction or resulting in fish mortality.
Moreover, all types of aquatic plant life can be harmed by the rise in carbon dioxide and methane
emissions from a hydropower plant. The increasing pollution from these greenhouse gases may
1
Benefits of Hydropower | Department of Energy
2
Anonymous. (n.d). Various Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric power
3
NS Energy Staff Writer. (2021, June 25). Pros and Cons of hydroelectric power generation
4
Anonymous. (n.d.). The Philippine Renewable Energy Sector
cause aquatic plant life to decompose, which might have a negative influence on the ecology
nearby. Aside from animals, people are also displaced by reservoirs. Communities may be
significantly impacted by this drawback of hydroelectric power since people who have lived in a
certain location all of their lives could be compelled to relocate, and even though they are usually
paid for doing so, it cannot make up for what they have lost. Dams have destroyed cities, towns,
and villages, as well as displaced local cultures.5
In addition to that, building hydropower plants might cause conflict. In order to harness the
water, nations with abundant hydroelectric power sources frequently construct dams across
rivers. Although this deed is commendable, it may prevent natural water flow from one direction
to another. Since hydropower depends only on water flow, alterations in the environment may
affect how successfully these dams generate electricity. For instance, a hydroelectric dam may be
less productive than anticipated if climate change lowers water flow in particular locations. On
the other hand, certain locations now face a greater danger of flooding as a result of climate
change. In these situations, dams can provide both flood control and the production of renewable
energy.6
5
Anonymous. (n.d). Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Energy
6
Anonymous. (n.d). Hydropower Pros & Cons

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The community benefits from using hydropower, which was the first and most straightforward

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