Environmental Impacts of Hydroelectricity (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Study Guide
Advantages & disadvantages of hydroelectric power
Advantages of hydroelectricity:
Renewable: hydroelectric power relies on the water cycle, which is continuously replenished by precipitation
Low emissions: has low greenhouse gas emissions during operation
Reliable: provides a consistent and predictable source of electricity
Flexible: can respond to demand quickly, generating large scale amounts of electricity in a short period of time
Disadvantages of hydroelectricity
Environmental impact: dam and reservoir construction results in flooded valleys, habitat destruction, disruption of fish migration routes, and diminishing water quality
High initial costs: dam and power plant construction needs significant investment
Limited locations: sites for hydroelectric power plants are limited by geography
Displacement: communities and wildlife need relocating with the construction of large dams
High-voltage power lines are needed to transfer electricity to the National Grid
Climate change can affect the supply of water, affecting reservoir levels and making them less reliable
Worked Example
Which of the following statements is true about hydroelectric power plants?
A. They rely on the combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity.
B. They produce direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
C. They use the kinetic energy of moving water to turn turbines and generate electricity.
D. They are not affected by changes in electricity demand.
The correct answer is C. They use the kinetic energy of moving water to turn turbines and generate electricity.
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