The environmental consequences are quite high.
M. S. Yu has written: 'Class environmental assessment for shoreline and riverbank modifications' -- subject(s): Environmental aspects, Environmental aspects of Hydroelectric power plants, Hydroelectric power plants, Shore protection
Hydroelectric power is often considered a non-polluting energy source because it generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases during operation. However, the construction of dams and reservoirs can disrupt local ecosystems, affect water quality, and displace communities. While it has a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, the environmental impacts associated with hydroelectric projects must be carefully managed. Overall, while it is cleaner than many energy sources, it is not entirely without environmental consequences.
J. R. Willard has written: 'Forestry and vegetation study for the proposed Nipawin hydroelectric project for Saskatchewan Power Corporation' -- subject(s): Forests and forestry, Plant ecology 'Environmental overview for the Charlot River hydroelectric development' -- subject(s): Environmental aspects of Hydroelectric power plants, Hydroelectric power plants
S. R. Barber has written: 'Wildlife (Saskatchewan)' -- subject(s): Dams, Environmental aspects of Dams, Environmental aspects of Hydroelectric power plants, Hydroelectric power plants
Camilo E. Garzon has written: 'Water quality in hydroelectric projects' -- subject(s): Environmental aspects of Forests and forestry, Environmental aspects of Hydroelectric power plants, Forests and forestry, Hydroelectric power plants, Reservoir ecology, Water quality management
Rod Rodriguez has written: 'Texas real estate contracts' -- subject(s): Conveyancing, Forms, Vendors and purchasers 'Ozone abatement in air-cooled hydroelectric generators' -- subject(s): Environmental aspects, Environmental aspects of Hydroelectric generators, Hydroelectric generators, Measurement, Ozone
Destruction of free-running rivers and their ecosystems
William Henningsgaard has written: 'The Akawaio, the Upper Mazaruni Hydroelectric Project, and national development in Guyana' -- subject(s): Acawai Indians, Environmental aspects of Hydroelectric power plants, Hydroelectric power plants, Upper Mazaruni Hydroelectric Project
The greatest negative effect of obtaining hydroelectric power is the disruption of local ecosystems caused by dam construction. This can lead to habitat loss for aquatic and terrestrial species, altered water flow, and changes in sediment transport, which can significantly impact biodiversity. Additionally, the flooding of large areas for reservoirs can displace communities and affect local economies. These environmental and social consequences often raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of hydroelectric projects.
Some believe that the destruction of an environmental area is not worth the benefit to society; others simply question the production capability and reliability of hydroelectric power.
It is a powerful incendiary and has devastating environmental consequences.