- Definition and Types of Energy
- Myths And Misconceptions About Energy
- The Relationship Between Energy and Environment
- Climate Change and Carbon Footprint
- Greenhouse Gas Effect
- The Role of Human-Induced Greenhouse Gases and Energy Consumption
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
- Renewable Energy Sources and Future Perspectives
- Play and Learn
- Solar Energy Conversions
- Solar Energy Worldwide
- Solar Energy in Partner Countries
- Positive and Negative Impacts
- Technologies for Harnessing Solar Energy
- Solar thermal energy technologies and applications
- Electricity Generation Methods
- Passive Heating and Cooling of Residences with the Sun
- Concentrator solar power (CSP) systems and electricity generation
- Systems and applications that generate electricity directly from solar rays
- Photovoltaic cells and panels
- Domestic PV Systems
- Off-Grid PV Systems
- Hybrid Connected Systems
- Materials Used in PV Cells
- Play and Learn
Positive and Negative Impacts of Hydroelectric Energy
Advantages
One of the biggest advantages of hydroelectric power plants is that they do not produce air polluting emissions like fossil fuel thermal power plants. Hydroelectric power plants are among the clean energy sources because they do not release any waste or harmful gases while operating. In addition, thanks to hydroelectric power plants:
- Agricultural irrigation can be provided
- Floods can be prevented
- Water resources can be managed more efficiently
- Water quality in the region can be increased
- Aesthetic ponds and water reservoirs can be created
Disadvantages
However, hydroelectric power plants also have some negative environmental effects. Dam construction can cause ecosystem changes by flooding large areas. This can affect the vegetation and animal life in the area. In addition:
- Large-scale dams can change the climate of the region and cause microclimates
- Changing the direction of streams can reduce the productivity of agricultural lands
- It can cause problems such as coastal erosion and depletion of water resources
Small Hydroelectric Power Plants
Environmentally friendly Small Hydroelectric Power Plants (SHPs) have become more preferred than large hydroelectric power plants. SHPs:
- It has lower investment costs
- It can be built in a short time
- It has lower maintenance and operating costs
- It has limited environmental impact compared to large hydroelectric power plants
- It contributes to the local economy by meeting the electricity needs in rural areas