The Exages And Disadvantages And Disadvantages Of Hydroelectric Energy

Hydroelectric Energy
By: Evan Chen

Renewable Energy accounts for only 10% (10.2 quadrillion btu) of the 97.4 quadrillion btu (british thermal units) of energy consumed in the world. Out of this 10% of renewable energy , 24% is hydroelectric energy. Worldwide hydropower is one of the most widely used renewable energy sources, it also represents 6.7% of worldwide electricity production. h

Earliest recordings of using waterpower were in China during the Han Dynasty (202 BC or 9AD) where trip hammers were used to pound and hull grain and used in paper making. One of the first uses were in 1771 where Richard Arkwright set up Cromford Mill in order to spin cotton. This is were one of the world's first factory systems were used

One of the biggest advantages is that hydropower won’t release any harmful emissions and can play a major role in the reduction of greenhouse gases. If the world converted to hydropower, pollution of the environment would be minimal and much less than the current ways of energy production such as burning coal. Hydroelectric energy is also renewable energy source, this makes hydropower more reliable and cheaper compared to our current use of rapidly depleting fossil fuels. Building the power plant may have initial high expenses due to investment costs, but running the plant might be comparatively cheaper. Water, the essential source for running the plant, is able to be provided through natural means through water sources, thus being renewable and further reducing the

Most of the geographical locations depend on the topography. Areas with high topographical relief can make more use out of hydropower. In 1995 all of Idaho’s power came from hydroelectric plants. If one state could run with only hydroelectricity, imagine the world running on it. Less pollution, and saving energy would benefit the world's future.

These are the top producers of hydropower, with this many countries one day the world could convert to more than 50% using hydropower. Currently, China has developed some of the largest facilities and now lead the world in hydroelectricity usage with about 96.9 Mote’s per year ( Million Tonnes of Oil Equivalent) One of world’s largest hydropower plants is at Three Gorges on China's Yangtze River. The dam is 1.4 miles wides and 607 feet high. After all, all you need is a large water source and a drop of elevation. Currently East Asia is dominating the world in hydroelectrics with 31.6% of hydropower plants