Hydropower: what is it, advantages and disadvantages? - - Telefónica

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Communication Team

19/10/

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We are going to explain to you in a simple way what hydropower is, what role it plays in terms of sustainability and renewable energy production and what its advantages and disadvantages are. In short, what challenges it faces and whether we can count on it to achieve the zero emissions target set by the European Union’s Green Pact by .

What is hydropower?

Hydropower is the first step in generating electricity in a clean and sustainable way. Hydropower harnesses the movement of water and its transport through canals and pipes to produce mechanical power, whether in rivers, streams, sea currents, etc.

Subsequently, the mechanical energy that has been obtained through the movement of huge turbines is converted into electricity in hydroelectric power plants through a rotating electric generator or alternator. The terms hydropower and hydroelectric power are often used in the same breath, but there is a nuance. To understand: hydropower converts the flow of water into mechanical energy; mechanical energy is converted into electricity in hydropower plants.

These are the most common types of hydroelectric power plants we can find today. All of them produce more than 2,000 TWh of energy, which represents 7% of the total energy worldwide, according to data from the Junta de Castilla y León.

• Run-of-river hydroelectric power station. This type of power station does not have a reservoir or dam to store large quantities of water before it reaches the turbines. It is the natural flow of the river, stream or any other natural energy source that is used to turn the turbines and produce electricity. The production of electricity in this type of power plant depends on the natural flow of water and can be affected by the weather.
• Reservoir hydroelectric power plant. In this type of hydroelectric power plant, water is stored in a reservoir, which may be natural or dammed. It then travels through pipes to drive turbines to generate electricity and then returns back to the river. In this type of power plant, the amount of water that travels can be controlled to generate electricity at will.
• Storage hydroelectric power plant. Also known as ‘pumped-storage hydro’, this type of power plant can be confused with the previous one because the flow of water is also controlled to generate electricity depending on demand. However, in this power plant, energy is not only produced through the flow of water driving the turbines: it can also store it to meet energy demand when it is higher and save it when it is lower.
• Pumping or reversible plants. In this case, there are two reservoirs located at different levels. When the demand for energy rises, these two reservoirs operate as we have already seen, with water falling from the upper reservoir turning the turbines, remaining stored in the lower reservoir. When there is less demand, the water returns from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir and the cycle starts again. This is a type of power plant that uses resources very rationally.

In addition to these four power plants, there is also a mini-hydro power plant, which produces electricity for small communities, a micro-hydro power plant, which is even smaller and supplies power to rural homes and remote areas, and a tidal power plant, which harnesses the movement of tides and ocean currents.

Advantages of hydropower

According to Intermón Oxfam, hydropower (and therefore hydroelectric power) offers three major advantages when it comes to producing clean energy that can help our planet combat climate change.

• It is flexible energy. This means that, thanks to the fact that the amount of water that passes from its natural or artificial source to the turbines can be controlled, the generation of energy is always adapted to the needs of the moment, thus avoiding waste. Likewise, the stored water, in addition to being used to produce energy, can also be used to supply the surrounding communities in case of need.
• It is clean energy. The production of electricity through the use of water does not produce waste. This does not happen with other energies, such as nuclear or fossil fuel energy, which is the main cause of climate change.
• It is a safe energy. Due to the high safety standards of dams and reservoirs, accidents due to water leaks are nowadays very unlikely, which makes hydropower and hydroelectric energy a very safe alternative.

Disadvantages of hydropower

• The construction of dams has a large environmental impact: it can alter aquatic habitat, flood previously dry areas, may require the expropriation of land, leading to the relocation of local communities, changes in water quality, etc.
• The cost of building a hydropower plant is very high.
• Hydropower production will depend on the amount of rainfall in the area: in periods of drought, electricity production can drop considerably.
• Not just any piece of land is suitable for building a dam, which limits the availability of space for renewable energy generation.

In summary, the development of hydropower and hydroelectric energy is essential to generate a clean and sustainable type of energy capable of competing with the current fossil fuel model. However, all the challenges involved must be taken into account. Hydropower can give us the opportunity to achieve a more sustainable planet, a home of which we and the generations to come can be proud.

Solar energy pros and cons are a hot topic today. As the earth’s most plentiful source of energy, the sun holds enormous promise as a clean and dependable way to power our world.

When the radiant energy of the sun is converted to heat and electricity, it can provide energy to residences and businesses, and even power vehicles.

Now might be a good time to learn about solar energy advantages and explore adding a solar energy system to your home. Then you can decide: Is solar energy worth it?

When considering home energy options, it is important to understand how solar energy works. When sunlight hits a solar panel, a photovoltaic cell turns that light into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts it to alternating current (AC), which is what most devices in your home use.

Advantages of Solar Energy

The more we can capture the benefits of solar energy, the less we will rely on fossil fuels. Adding a solar energy system to your home allows you to tap into these solar energy advantages:

1. Solar energy is a renewable energy source and reduces carbon emissions

Solar energy is a renewable energy source, meaning you don’t ever use it up. Solar energy is clean. It creates no carbon emissions or other heat-trapping “greenhouse” gases. It avoids the environmental damage associated with mining or drilling for fossil fuels. Furthermore, solar energy also uses little to no water, unlike power plants that generate electricity using steam turbines.

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2. ​​Solar energy can reduce your home’s electricity bill

A solar energy system for your home can reduce your reliance on the grid and help you save on your electricity bill. Some owners of residential solar energy systems may even have excess power that they can sell to the utility. Instead of paying a utility for electricity, homeowners get paid by the utility. You may not have to buy an entire solar energy system to cut your home’s electricity bill. Simply choose solar lights, lights that are powered by the sun instead of your home’s electrical system, to help save money.

3. Solar power can get you money back through Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)

Some states offer solar renewable energy certificates (SREC). Each one represents a megawatt-hour of electricity generated through solar energy. Electricity suppliers buy these certificates to satisfy their state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, a requirement that a certain amount of their renewable energy come from solar. You can sell SRECs for your system's output, which is another way to earn money from your investment.

However, the availability and value of SRECs have changed significantly over the years and continue to vary by state. Some states, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, still support robust SREC markets. Others, such as Massachusetts and Maryland, have transitioned to broader clean energy incentive programs. For example, Massachusetts now uses the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, which still encourages solar adoption through performance-based incentives rather than tradable credits.

4. Homes with solar panels installed may improve home value

Home buyers will likely pay more for a house with solar panels installed. Considering solar energy pros and cons, the savings on electricity bills and the money earned selling power back to the utility, all count in the plus column. Residential solar energy systems are highly valued and can increase a home's resale value. The property value of a home with solar panels can be worth up to $15,000 more than its neighbors.

Solar systems are fairly easy to install and require very little maintenance. Both are handled by your solar provider, if you opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). Consider this as you ask yourself is solar energy worth it.

5. Solar panels have low maintenance costs

Solar panels are easy to maintain, as they have no moving parts that wear out over time. Just keep them clean and in good physical condition to keep them working properly. Between their low maintenance costs and average lifespan of 25 years, it can be easy to get your money’s worth when investing in solar panels.

6. Solar energy can generate electricity in any climate

Solar energy systems can generate electricity in any climate. One of the disadvantages of solar energy is that it’s subject to temporary weather disruption. Cloudy days reduce the amount of electricity you produce. Cold, however, doesn’t affect productivity. Snowfall can actually help your solar system, as the snow cleans the panels as it melts and sun reflected off the snow increases the amount of light hitting your panels. The result is more electricity production.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

The disadvantages of solar energy are becoming fewer as the industry advances and grows, creating economies of scale. Technological advances are helping solar go mainstream. Here are how the disadvantages of solar energy and the pros and cons stack up.

1. The high initial costs of installing panels

The most commonly cited solar energy disadvantage, cost, is declining as the industry expands. The initial cost to buy and install the equipment is not cheap. Still, if cost is an issue, leasing options may reduce the amount of your initial outlay. If you do choose to buy, you will need to live in your home for a number of years before the system pays for itself. It’s a long-term investment better suited to property owners than renters.

2. Solar energy storage is expensive

Of the disadvantages of solar energy, the temporary decline in energy production during bad weather has been a major issue. Days with low solar energy, however, are having less of an effect due to advances in battery technology. Old technology for storing solar energy, like lead acid batteries are being replaced by alternatives. Lithium ion batteries offer greater power at a lower cost. Nickel-based batteries have an extremely long life. New technologies, like flow batteries, promise scale and durable power storage.

3. Solar doesn’t work for every roof type

Not every room will work well with solar panels. Orientation matters. If your roof doesn't face the sun, you won’t be able to capture enough solar energy. Roofs that angle into the sun tend to work better than flat roofs.

Roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal and tiles make installing solar panels easier. If your room is made with other materials, installation may be more expensive. Part of what makes energy-efficient roofs is their ability to support solar panels.

4. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight

It’s obvious that solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. They won’t produce electricity at night when you need it for light and they can be inefficient during storms and gloomy days. Your solar energy system needs batteries if you plan to fully depend on solar energy to power your home.

Batteries are one of the more expensive components of your system. Unlike solar panels, they do wear out and need careful maintenance to lengthen their lives. Comparing wind power vs. solar power, wind will keep generating electricity at night and during storms, as long as there is enough wind. Many people use both in residential systems.

Constellation Energy and Solar Energy

When weighing the pros and cons of solar energy for your home, there are additional options worth considering. Community solar projects are a great way to get the advantages of solar energy without buying and maintaining a system yourself.

If your home and roof won’t support solar panels or if you don’t have enough money to invest in one, community solar might be your answer. With this option, you agree to participating in a program that allows you receive credits for every kWh generated by the solar facility. You get a credit on your electricity bill proportional to your percentage of ownership in the project’s energy.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Generator Set. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.