Like solar power, wind power ?
2007-01-09 15:38:42 · 6 answers · asked by Dahlin 1 in Environment
Hydroelectric power is much more abundant than the others, given our current ability to harness them. One large hydroelectric dam can produce enough power to light up entire cities, whereas the equivalent power from the other sources would require more windmills / solar cells than we have area to put them.
The main drawback of hydroelectric power is that it destroys the land behind the dam that gets flooded. Plus, there is the danger of the dam failing, causing unbelievable flooding below it if it does.
2007-01-09 16:22:50 · answer #1 · answered by ZeroByte 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, solar power is great but our technology is terribly inefficient (like 28% energy produced of the 100% that could be produced) plus it doesn't work at night. ;-)
Wind power is also great but it kills birds, is somewhat unsightly, can make noise, and you can't depend on the wind always blowing.
Hydroelectric power is not without it's problems but it is VERY reliable as the water almost always flows.
Given the choice I'd take hydroelectric power for today and invest in solar for the future.
2007-01-09 15:57:08 · answer #2 · answered by mmcall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some countries, like mine here in the Philippines. Hydroelectric power is the majority of our energy source because of the abundance of flowing water.
Its effecient compared to other sources because of the availablity of the raw materials.
Its only noticiable downside is the destruction of the habitat to where the dam must be built and the banks of the river that benefits from the rivers silt deposit.
2007-01-09 17:28:38 · answer #3 · answered by wars8008 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Besides the other drawbacks mentioned, hydroelectric dams in the northwest prevent salmon from migrating to their spawning areas.
2007-01-09 16:58:37 · answer #4 · answered by The answer guy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not better than geothermal generated power.Thats where you pump water down where the magma is close to the surface and it comes back as steam to drive turbines to generate electricity and it can usually be done close to existing coal generating plants and so use the existing distribution system. Like Newcastle in Australia.
2007-01-10 00:23:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think they are all the same, the only pollution is heat.
2007-01-09 15:43:14 · answer #6 · answered by lonetraveler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋