Picture: This diagram shows the process of water
being turned into energy at a hydroelectric power plant. As shown above, the
water comes from a natural source that flows through a man-made dam. Next, the
water passes through a tunnel, causing the turbines to spin. The turbines
connect to a generator that turns the water energy into electricity. Lastly,
the electricity passes through transformers and transmission lines to places
that need the electricity. The water then continues past the turbines, back
into the original water sources, like a river.
Summary: Hydroelectric power is a great source of
energy. When compared to other energy sources, it is better in so many ways.
For one example, it is renewable. Some people may argue our water will run out
one day, so we should not waste it on electricity, but we are not wasting it.
As seen in the diagram above, a good percent of the water makes it back into
the body of water after going through the turbines. Also, hydroelectric power
is safe for the environment. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not release any
pollutants into the atmosphere. These power plants are economically better,
also. They need less operating costs then other types of plants and last a
longer amount of time. Other electrical plants may only last 25 years, whereas
a hydroelectric plant lasts 40-50 years. Although there are so many positive
sides to hydroelectric power, there are some negatives. For example, to building
a hydroelectric plant is more expensive than other plants. But, over time that
money is regained when maintaining the plant is cheaper.
Opinion/Reflection: While there are some cons to a hydroelectric
power plant, I believe the pros trump them all. It shocked me the most that
this is so much better for the environment, yet we see more environmentally crippling
electricity being used, like fossil fuels. Although I do realize it is not
realistic to just complete a 180 degree switch, and start using a new energy
source, I feel we should work toward this goal. For instance, if we start
building just a few hydroelectric plants and close some other types of power
plants, then the money we save over time from the hydroelectric plants could be
invested in building even more hydroelectric power plants. This idea although
to me sounds ideal, does have a few flaws. We would have to be careful not to
use more water than we are getting. If we keep this and other factors in balance,
then this could be a great energy source to supply most of our energy.
Questions:
1)
What is your opinion on hydroelectric power?
2)
What percentage of hydropower is capable of
converting available energy into electricity? What percentage of fossil fuel
plants?
3)
Name another con to hydroelectric power?
4)
Why would environmentalist be interested in the
fact that hydroelectric power does not release pollutants into the air? Why
would they think this is good?
I think that hydroelectric power is a great alternative energy source, that in the long run could save us much money. I do agree with the fact that it would take a while for us to reach this goal, but I think that in the end it would help greatly reduce the amount of CO2 that we put into the atmosphere, in turn making the environment a much cleaner and healthier place. The positives of hydroelectric power definitely outweigh the cons and I think setting a goal to have it in the future will be worth-while in the end.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Do you think that having a goal to make hydroelectric power a future energy source is realistic and beneficial? What other energy sources do you think would work better than hydroelectric power?
Jeffrey Thaler is the University of Maine’s first Visiting Professor of Energy Policy, Law & Ethics. Professor Thaler graduated magna cum laude from Williams College and earned a law degree from Yale Law School.Professor Thaler has been permitting counsel on hydroelectric power.
ReplyDeleteDear Professor Jeffrey Thaler,
My name is Chris and I am a 9th grader. Currently I am in an Environmental Science class and one of our assignments is to create a blog with a small group of people in our class. The person who wrote the blog about hydroelectric power. I understand that you are probably very busy, but it would be extremely beneficially to my class if you would comment in our blog. Saying you opinion or really anything would be greatly appreciated. I will leave the link to the blog below. Thank you so much and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely, Christopher Lee
http://greenisthenewblack11.blogspot.com/2013/04/hydroelectric-power.html
Answer Questions:
ReplyDelete1) What is your opinion on hydroelectric power? I think it is a really great way to get power, that doesn't cause as much harm to the environment as other methods. This idea should be pursued more often.
3) Name another con to hydroelectric power? New, innovative ideas like this need a lot of support financially, and without a lot of contributors it may not be possible to use it as a prime energy source for years.
4) Why would environmentalist be interested in the fact that hydroelectric power does not release pollutants into the air? Why would they think this is good? That keeps pollution levels down, and could slow global warming. It is very eco-friendly.
Hydroelectric water power use
ReplyDeletehttp://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuhy.html
I found this article from the USGS Water Science for Schools website that further explains more about hydroelectricity, known as the oldest methods of producing power. The article states that although 7% of total power is produced by plants conducting hydroelectricity, and 19% of total electricity production comes from hydroelectricity, it is still important to the United States. The main advantages to hydroelectricity that fossil fuels such as gas, oil, and coal don't have, is that there is minimal pollution due to the fact that fuel isn't being burned, and renewable, since rain water always fills up the reservoirs. Unfortunately, it's not always perfect, because it is mainly dependent on rain, and it could, in some cases, restrict fish entertainment and passage. Another fact is that although hydroelectricity is a non pollutant, but impacts the environment in some way, even risking drying up the United States if planning to construct a dam. Overall, hydroelectricity, while not always perfect, could be a positive renewable resource of power.