Compared to solar energy, hydropower has a number of advantages and disadvantages. These include scalability, economic viability, and environmental impacts.
Environmental impacts
Among the environmental impacts of hydropower is the fact that it can alter the flow regime and water quality of a river. This can impact fish migrations, the stability of estuaries, and the catchment area of reservoirs.
https://solarsystems.reviews/ plants can also affect aquatic species’ habitats, water temperature, and the concentration of nutrients. They can also change the flow of sediments. This may have a negative effect on benthic fauna and pest species.
During the construction of a hydropower facility, greenhouse gas emissions are produced. The amount of emissions depends on the reservoir and the location. The largest reservoirs are often a major source of GHGs.
Dams can also cause upstream flooding which can damage fish and wildlife habitats. In addition, they can destroy scenic areas and prime farming land.
The use of machinery powered by combustion engines can also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. During the construction of the facility, various mitigation measures must be included. These include, but are not limited to, flow regulations, and the creation of a fish-friendly turbine.
Cost
Compared with solar energy, hydropower offers more security and reliability. In addition to being a clean source of fuel, hydropower plants also provide flexibility to electricity systems. They can adjust their output to meet demand quickly, reducing blackouts and eliminating interruptions.
Developing new large-scale hydropower plants is attractive in many developing economies. However, they require significant investments. These investments, if implemented, could add up to USD 300 billion over the next decade.
The cost of hydropower varies widely from project to project. The lifetime of the power plant is often omitted, and the cost of capital is also an important factor. The average life of a hydropower plant is between 40 and 80 years. It is also important to consider the capacity factors of each project. These factors can make calculations more difficult.
Scalability
NREL researchers are performing research in the area of hydropower. They are looking at hydro’s ability to enable clean energy. They are also performing cutting-edge research on grid integration and reliability. They are working with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to investigate how hydro’s role in meeting clean energy goals may be bolstered by the advent of a more resilient North American electricity system.
One of the best examples of a hydropower plant is in Norway where the run of the river plants are split between public and private ownership. This model allows investors to buy and operate a larger portfolio of plants, and make efficient use of hydro’s unique capabilities.
Another example of hydro’s scalability is its capacity to store energy. A large storage reservoir can allow for the replacement of coal generation capacity in China.
Economic viability
Using economic viability tools to assess the feasibility of hydropower projects is important. They help to confirm regulatory requirements and demonstrate project benefits to stakeholders.
Typically, economic viability analysis looks at environmental and social externalities. However, these models do not consider the economic impacts of climate change. It also fails to assess the impact of uncertainty in prices.
According to a recent report from Oxford University, the economic viability of large-scale hydropower development is questionable. The authors suggest that the world’s largest power stations are overrun by construction costs. They point out that Itaipu in Brazil and Paraguay will never pay back the costs of building the dam.
As the world moves towards more intermittent renewables, electricity production will be more volatile. This will change the way markets operate. The market structure will also need to be more flexible.
Potential to replace fossil fuels
Despite its status as a renewable energy source, hydropower has not yet supplanted fossil fuels as the world’s primary energy supply. Nonetheless, it remains the single largest contributor to global low-carbon power.
The hydropower sector accounts for one sixth of global electricity generation by 2020. It has a huge role to play in a 100% renewable future. But the growth of hydropower will have to be redirected if it is to be successful.
Climate change, drought and other climate-related events affect the ability of hydropower to operate efficiently. For example, flooding behind dams can be devastating to the environment and local population. Similarly, heatwaves and other weather-related events are already stressing energy generation.
The development of large-scale hydropower projects is often accompanied by sensitive environmental and social assessments. This is especially true for emerging economies, where the potential of hydropower is highest.