Destruction of free-running rivers and their ecosystems
The greatest environmental cost of hydroelectric power is the disruption and alteration of natural river ecosystems caused by dam construction. This can lead to habitat loss, altered water flow patterns, and impacts on fish migration. Impoundment behind dams can also result in methane emissions from decomposing organic matter.
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Hydroelectric power stations certainly have their advantages and disadvantages, as do all forms of electrical generation. Probably the best solution is to use a combination of different means of producing electricity, with hydroelectric stations as part of the mix.
The cost is the difference of thousands of families without jobs
Yes, hydroelectric could power a city. The issue with most green energy sources is cost and inability to obtain uninterrupted power on demand. Hydroelectric does not have these limitations. It does have some negative environmental impacts, just as all energy sources do.
It may cos around 100 MWh
Expanding hydroelectric power production can have negative environmental impacts such as disrupting aquatic ecosystems, displacing communities, and altering natural river flow. In addition, the construction of new hydroelectric plants requires substantial upfront capital investment and may not be the most cost-effective or efficient solution compared to other renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
There is usually a large one off initial capital outlay, for example to build a dam. After that the electricity produced is almost zero cost You will usually be sued also, but it is too clean to turn down.
Linda Lorraine May has written: 'Economic and environmental trade-offs in Washington small-scale hydropower evaluation' -- subject(s): Cost effectiveness, Environmental aspects, Environmental aspects of Water resources development, Hydroelectric power plants, United States, United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Water resources development
The major hurdle associated with hydro power is to ensure uniform availability of water which is not possible as water availability is gioverened by nature. The huge capital cost ( almost three to four times than thermal power) is another drawback yielda higher unit rate of production.
Wind turbines generate energy using wind power. This does not affect the surrounding environment, therefore their environmental cost would be minimal.
In America, the main fuels used for generating electricity are natural gas, coal, nuclear power, and renewable sources like hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. These fuels vary in their cost, environmental impact, and availability, influencing the overall energy mix used for electricity generation.