Hydroelectricity is a Non-Conventional source of energy
Earlier we used flowing water to generate electricity, but using Dams to generate electricity is a new concept. Thus, Hydroelectric Energy is a Non-Conventional Source of Energy
We generate Hydroelectric Energy using a Hydroelectric Power Plant
Hydroelectric Power Plants are used where Water is at a height
In Hydroelectric Power Plant, Potential Energy of the Water at a height is converted into Mechanical Energy by Rotating the Turbines
.
This Mechanical energy is further converted into Electrical Energy
To put the water at a height, we use Dams.
Dams are formed in rivers to stop their flow, and keep it at a height.
Advantages of using Hydroelectric Power Plant
- The generation of Electricity from Hydroelectric Power Plant does not cause any pollution
- Since water in the dams will get filled by itself due to rain, it is a renewable source of energy
- The construction of dams help in controlling floods and providing irrigation
Disadvantages of using Hydroelectric Power Plant
- Dams can only be constructed in specific number of places, like, hilly terrains
- Large areas of agricultural and human land is submerged under water.
- The vegetation which is submerged under water rots in anaerobic conditions which leads to generation of huge amounts of methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas
- There is a problem of proper displacement of people who are living in the area near the dams
- Due to construction of dam, the fish in the area downstream of dam do not get enough nutrients and the production of fish decreases
