Cost of using hydropower

Answer 1

The actual cost of producing power will vary from power plant to power plant with one of the main variables being the size of the plant. For example, since it could take many people to operate and maintain such a small one unit generator as it would to operate and maintain two larger generators, the cost of operation and maintenance per kilowatt produced would be higher for the smaller plant. In general, the larger the hydroelectric plant, the cheaper one would cost per kilowatt to produce the electricity. When compared to other means of producing electricity, hydroelectric production costs run only about one third those of either fossil-fueled (coal or oil) or nuclear power plants, and is less than one fourth the cost of gas turbine electricity production. The main contributing factor for the difference in this cost of production is the fuel costs for the other means of producing electricity. The original plant cost for a hydroelectric plant is somewhat cheaper than either fossil fuel or nuclear plants.

Answer 2

You change the environment of the plants and animals living in the river- either downstream where the water used to flow freely, or upstream where you now have a reservoir of water that wasn't there before. Any move we make that changes the environment must have it's impact tested and verified before major changes are made or we risk destroying our own habitat.

Answer 3

The cost of using hydropower depends on factors like the size of the hydropower plant, construction costs, maintenance expenses, and environmental mitigation measures. Generally, hydropower is considered a cost-effective source of renewable energy due to its long lifespan and relatively low operating costs once the initial investment is made. Additionally, the ability to generate electricity from the natural flow of water makes hydropower a reliable and sustainable energy option.

Answer 4

it would be about a thousand dollars

Answer 5

Rebecca Elder

Answer 6

Hydropower is very expensive to build!