This article is part of an educational series to spread free & quality sustainability knowledge for all.

Key takeaways

• Hydroelectric power is the largest renewable source of energy worldwide.
• Hydroelectric power is a renewable and clean energy source that emits minimal greenhouse gases compared to non-renewables like oil, coal, and natural gas.
• While hydropower offers several advantages, it has some harmful environmental and social implications.

Introduction

As societies worldwide seek cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, hydroelectric power has emerged as one of the most popular renewable energy sources. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydroelectric power is the largest renewable source of energy globally (Hydroelectricity – Analysis - IEA, 2022).

However, despite its popularity, hydropower isn’t flawless. Like other energy sources, it has various downsides. But do its cons outweigh its pros?

In this article, we'll tackle this pertinent question. We'll explore the pros and cons of hydroelectric energy, shedding light on its environmental benefits and economic advantages while also examining the environmental impacts and social challenges it poses.

By critically examining hydroelectric power's multifaceted nature, we can better understand its role in shaping our energy future, paving the way for informed decisions and sustainable energy strategies.

What Is Hydroelectric Power?

Hydroelectric power, also known as hydropower, is a renewable energy source that taps the energy of flowing or falling water to generate power. It uses the potential and kinetic energy in moving water to drive turbines, which power generators to produce electricity for public use.

The process of hydroelectric power generation typically involves the construction of large dams or reservoirs on rivers and other water bodies. These structures confine water, creating a massive height difference between the reservoir and downstream areas. When the stored water is released, it flows through turbines, causing them to spin.

The spinning turbines convert the water’s energy into mechanical energy, which powers generators. The generators then produce electric energy, which can be transmitted through power lines and distributed to homes, businesses, and industries.

As of 2021, China was the world’s leading hydropower producer, followed by Canada, Brazil, the United States, Russia, and India (Hydropower Generation by Country 2021 | Statista, 2023).

Hydropower Pros and Cons

Although renewables like geothermal, wind, and solar power are rapidly gaining popularity, hydropower remains the most popular source of renewable energy. However, behind the gushing waterfalls and seemingly flawless energy production, hydropower has several pros and cons. Next, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric energy.

Pros of Hydroelectric Plants

Renewable

Hydropower is a renewable energy source, as it relies on the natural water flow and gravity to generate electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, water is a renewable resource that’s constantly replenished.

The water used in hydroelectric power plants isn’t depleted but rather cycled back into rivers or reservoirs, making hydropower a sustainable energy solution. On the other hand, fossil fuels like coal and oil aren’t replenished once used, making them unsustainable energy sources.

Clean Energy Source

Unlike fossil fuels or nuclear energy, hydroelectric power plants emit minimal greenhouse gases during their operation. According to the International Hydropower Association (IHA), if hydropower was substituted with coal to generate electricity, 4 billion tonnes of additional greenhouse gases would be emitted annually (Greenhouse Gas Emissions, n.d.).

As a result, hydropower helps to mitigate global warming and reduce air pollution.

Cost-Effective

While the initial cost of constructing hydroelectric power plants is high, hydropower is cheaper than other energy sources in the long run. 

Water is a finite resource that isn’t affected by price fluctuations. On the other hand, fossil fuels like natural gas and oil are subject to market volatility, which can significantly increase energy costs.

Additionally, hydropower facilities have lower maintenance and operating costs compared to other types of power plants (SAS Output, n.d.).

Finally, most hydroelectric power plants have an average lifespan of 50-100 years, making hydropower a cost-effective source of energy in the long term.

Flexible

Hydropower is a flexible source of power as hydropower facilities can respond to demand fluctuations in minutes if necessary. If there's a sudden spike in electricity demand, hydropower electric plants can quickly ramp up their hydropower capacity. Similarly, a hydroelectric plant can be stopped relatively quickly if there's a decline in the electricity demand.

On the other hand, while other plants, like thermal power plants, can respond to changing electricity demands, their response times aren't as fast or flexible as hydroelectric power plants.

Complements Other Renewables

Renewables like wind and solar aren't consistent sources of energy. When the sun isn't shining, or the wind isn't blowing, these renewable sources of energy won't meet energy demands.

Hydropower’s dependence on water to generate power makes it a consistent source of power. As a result, when wind power and active solar can’t meet energy demands, hydropower can compensate for the decline in supply from these renewables.

Water Management

Besides generating electricity, hydropower dams with large reservoir storage allow for water management and regulation. This enables irrigation, flood control, and consistent water supply, supporting agriculture and water security in areas where rain is scarce or drought prevalent.

Tourist Attraction

Large hydroelectric dams provide recreational opportunities, such as kayaking, white water rafting, swimming, and fishing. As a result, many hydroelectric dams are popular tourist attractions attracting tourists locally and globally. 

For example, Hoover Dam in Nevada is one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting over 7 million visitors annually (Hoover Dam Information | Lake Mead | Travel Nevada, 2023).

Cons of Hydroelectric Power Plants

Environmental Impact

The construction of massive dams and reservoirs for hydroelectric projects can have severe environmental implications. For example, it may alter water ecosystems, destroy habitats, and affect fish migration patterns. In some cases, dam construction may even endanger some species like the Irrawaddy dolphin (Irrawaddy Dolphin - Whale &Amp; Dolphin Conservation USA, 2023).

Additionally, as most hydroelectric power projects require extensive land, they could lead to the destruction of forests, meadows, and grasslands.

High Initial Costs

Hydroelectric power projects are capital-intensive because they require the construction of a dam, reservoir, and power-generating turbines. Fortunately, while the up-front costs are high, the operational and maintenance costs of hydroelectric plants are fairly low. Nonetheless, hydroelectric plants need to run for a substantial time to recoup the funds used to construct them.

Climate Vulnerability

Hydropower isn’t immune to the effects of climate change. Changes in rainfall patterns and drought can substantially affect a power plant’s ability to produce energy. 

For instance, in Kenya, drought in recent years has significantly affected hydroelectric power generation because the country relies on a large percentage of hydropower to generate electricity (Wang, 2017).

Human Displacement

Local communities living downstream are prone to flooding due to strong water currents released from dams. In communities where people are vulnerable to floods, people may have to be relocated, resulting in social disruption and cultural loss.

Limited Suitable Locations

Identifying ideal locations for large-scale hydroelectric power projects can be challenging due to factors like water availability, topography, and impact on surrounding communities. This challenge restricts the widespread adoption of hydropower in certain areas. 

Methane Emissions

While hydroelectric power is considered a clean source of energy, it isn’t entirely carbon-neutral. Researchers found that hydroelectric power reservoirs emit vast amounts of methane, which depletes oxygen levels in water and increases pollution (Mapes, 2016).

FAQs

Is hydropower renewable?

Yes, hydropower is renewable because it does not deplete natural resources like non-renewable energy sources, which are non-replenishing. The water used in hydropower plants isn't depleted but rather cycled back into rivers or reservoirs for repeated use.

What is the cleanest energy source?

Determining the cleanest energy source is a complex task that involves considering various factors and evaluating the entire life cycle of energy production. 

However, while determining the cleanest energy source isn’t a straightforward task, renewables like hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal energy are often considered among the cleanest sources of energy.

What is the cheapest energy source?

Energy costs vary depending on factors like location, resource availability, technology, and government policies. However, while energy costs vary depending on these factors, renewables like hydropower, solar, and wind are often considered among the cheapest energy sources.

What countries use hydropower?

Hydropower is used in various countries worldwide, with some nations relying more on it for their energy needs than others. Some countries that rely heavily on hydropower include China, Canada, Brazil, the United States, Russia, India, and Norway.

How efficient is hydropower?

Hydropower is one of the most efficient methods of electricity generation. While the efficiency of hydropower systems varies depending on the design and technology used, the overall efficiency of hydropower plants ranges from 80% to 90%.

Conclusions

Hydroelectric power provides a compelling case as a sustainable and renewable energy solution. It provides clean energy, it’s inexpensive, and it provides a reliable source of energy to meet fluctuating demand. Furthermore, large hydroelectric dams also store large amounts of water, which can be used for irrigation, flood control, and water supply.

Yet, despite all its pros, hydroelectric power also has some limitations. The environmental impact of large dams and reservoirs can result in habitat destruction, altered water ecosystems, biodiversity loss, and displacement of communities. Furthermore, the vulnerability of hydroelectric power to climate change and water availability can severely affect electricity generation.

As a result, as we consider hydropower's viability as a sustainable energy source, we must balance its pros and cons to maximize its potential while minimizing its drawbacks.

Sources

Greenhouse gas emissions. (n.d.). https://www.hydropower.org/factsheets/greenhouse-gas-emissions

Hoover Dam Information | Lake Mead | Travel Nevada. (2023, March 14). Travel Nevada. https://travelnevada.com/historical-interests/hoover-dam/

Hydroelectricity – Analysis - IEA. (2022, September). IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/hydroelectricity

Hydropower generation by country 2021 | Statista. (2023, February 8). Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/474799/global-hydropower-generation-by-major-country/

Irrawaddy dolphin - Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA. (2023, May 4). Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA. https://us.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/irrawaddy-dolphin/

Mapes, L. V. (2016, September 30). Hydropower isn’t carbon neutral after all, WSU researchers say. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/hydropower-isnt-carbon-neutral-after-all-wsu-researchers-say/

Pros And Cons of Hydropower | EnergySage. (2022, April 28). https://www.energysage.com/about-clean-energy/hydropower/pros-cons-hydropower/

SAS Output. (n.d.). https://www.eia.gov/electricity/annual/html/epa_08_04.html

Wang, J. (2017). No Water, No Power. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/insights/no-water-no-power