Geothermal energy v. Hydroelectric power?

Question

See, in science class we're having a debate. In this debate my team is in favor of Geothermal energy, and the opposing team is in favor of Hydroelectric power (we did not pick). But they have pretty smart people and my team is going to need some defending facts. Could you guys help me throw down some disadvantages (support it) for Hydroelectric energy? And also, help me find some defending facts for when they throw some back at us. Also, I caught two of their disadvantages for us.. it's that if it rains, then we wouldn't be able to work geothermal power, and that we would not be able to use it for decades if something happens.. i forgot haha. But if you could help me just a wee bit I'd be thankful. :)

Also, how could I make a visual aid (poster, model, etc.) for Geothermal energy?

Answer 1

Hydroelectric Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

* Inexhaustible fuel source
* Minimal environmental impact
* Viable source--relatively useful levels of energy production
* Can be used throughout the world

Disadvantages

* Smaller models depend on availability of fast flowing streams or rivers
* Run-of-the-River plants can impact the mobility of fish and other riverlife. NOTE: Building a fish ladder can lessen this negative aspect of hydroelectric power

http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/hydro/advant.html

Geothermal Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

* Theoretically inexhaustible energy source
* No pollution
* Often an excellent supplement to other renewable sources
* Does not require structures such as solar panels or windmills to collect the energy--can be directly used to heat or produce electricity (thus very cheap)

Disadvantages

* Not available in many locations
* Not much power per vent

http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/geotherm/advant.html

Answer 2

other disadvantages to hydroelectric power are that most of the major rivers suitable for damming in america are already dammed and damming small rivers does not produce enough energy to offset the cost of the engineering and construction of a dam.

also, the silt (sand) that normally flows with a river into the ocean eventually is backed up behind a dam and that means that eventually the water flow will be reduced and the dam will become a less efficient source of energy and will eventually become useless.

dams are extremely expensive and are challenged in court by environmentalist and the legal expenses just ad to the cost. the more something costs, the more the energy it produces costs since the folks purchasing the electricity will also have to pay for the cost of the dam as part of their utility rates.

Answer 3

It is something to consider, but there are limitation to this as with any other power source. Some countries just don't have much in the way of geothermal activity within the boundaries of their country. While this is great for Iceland and Greenland, most countries, especially the larger energy consuming countries such as China and the U.S. don't have many geothermal energy site to tap.

Answer 4

for that poster thing, you could draw up a background of geothermal energy being generated, and for the text, you could say 'make the switch to geothermal energy, then list its advantages.

Answer 5

Hydro electricity is bad because you dont no how clean the pipes the water goes throught are, so if theyre dirty, people downriver will get sick.

Answer 6

Hydro is more reliable