The advantages of hydroelectric power are numerous. With all the buzz about potential sources of wind energy or solar power, it is surprising that there is not a greater interest in developing more dams and hydroelectric power sources throughout the country. There are currently an estimated 75 thousand dams in the United States alone, which cover about seventeen percent of the rivers and streams. They are particularly popular in the Eastern United States, where they have hilly country that perfectly accommodates the use of dams and waterwheels, a primitive, yet very applicable technology.
Hydroelectricity Advantage #1 – The power created through the use of dams and turbines is not reliant on coal, oil, uranium, or any other resource we currently trade for on world markets. Creating a wider network of hydroelectric power sources throughout the country could significantly reduce our reliance on foreign oil, at least for heating our homes.
Hydroelectricity Advantage #2 – When you construct a dam or waterwheel, it has the ability to create power for years and years to come. Despite the fact that the Hoover Dam was constructed back in 1922, it still provides a large amount of power to California, Nevada, and Arizona, three of the most power-hungry states.
Hydroelectricity Advantage #3 – Aside from initial construction costs and maintenance throughout the year, it’s fairly simple and cheap to maintain a turbine. The Hoover Dam has had only one large renovation done in the almost 90 year period since it was created.
Hydroelectricity Advantage #4 – Unlike most other modern sources of power, a Dam does not create carbon monoxide fumes, nuclear waste or other environmentally hazardous materials. The only negative environmental consequence to a dam is that the area sometimes needs to be flooded to create a consistent flow.
Hydroelectricity Advantage #5 – Water, the source of the turbine’s power, is one of the earth’s most abundant resources, and it’s fully renewable. The rivers, streams, and lakes that hydroelectric power sources use to generate power are always flowing and moving about on their own, and the turbine simply harnesses the power and sends it out to the needed areas.
It is clear that one of the most important movements in modern times is the idea of moving towards a more holistic approach to the technology. The green movement applauds the use of solar panels, windmills and other earth-friendly technologies available today – why not adopt the use of hydro power as well.