Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower Plant | New Note [2024]

In this note, we are going to learn about some Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower Plant. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower Plants

Here we have listed some merits and demerits of Hydropower Plants –

Advantages of Hydropower Plants

Here are some advantages of this power plants –

1. Hydropower is a renewable energy source since it is based on the water cycle, which is powered by the sun.
2. Water used in hydropower processes can be refilled naturally, ensuring an uninterrupted supply.
3. Once built, a hydroelectric plant has comparatively minimal running and maintenance costs.
4. Hydropower plants can provide a steady and dependable supply of electricity.
5. Hydropower produces electricity while generating no greenhouse gases or other pollutants, making it a clean and environmentally beneficial energy source.
6. Hydropower stations have a long operational life, typically spanning 50 to 100 years.
7. Hydropower reduces reliance on fossil fuels by producing a considerable amount of electricity, so contributing to energy safety and variety.
8. Hydropower plants range in size from large-scale projects to local, community-based installations, making them adaptable to a variety of energy requirements and geographical regions.

Disadvantages of Hydropower Plants

Here are some disadvantages of this power plants –

1. The construction of major dams and reservoirs can have a considerable environmental impact. This involves habitat damage, changes in water quality, and disruptions to local ecosystems, which include fish and other aquatic species.
2. It has a greater starting cost. The building of hydropower plants, particularly major dams, necessitates significant capital expenditure.
3. The management of water flow for hydropower can have an impact on downstream water availability for agricultural, drinking water, and industrial purposes.
4. Large reservoirs have the capacity to influence local climate conditions, influencing weather patterns and ecosystems.
5. There are only a few ideal sites for large-scale hydropower projects, and many of the better ones have already been developed. This may limit future expansion.