How electrical production affects the environment

Electric power is the form of energy produced by the movement and clash of particles with different potential, called electrons, whose interaction allows the generation of the electric current we know with the name of electricity.

It is obtained from the Transformation of other types of energy through the use of alternators or generators. So, depending on the type of primary energy Used to produce electrical energy, we can classify electricity generating plants:

• Thermoelectric: Use the heat that emerges from the burning of fossil fuels, for example, oil, coal and natural gas.
• Hydroelectric plants: To generate electricity, the potential energy of the water stored in the reservoirs is used.
• Winding: Wind energy takes advantage of the wind to obtain mechanical energy through the movement of windmill blades.
• Photovoltaic: Use solar radiation captured through solar panels.
• Mareomotriz: Electricity is generated taking advantage of the movement of tides.

Now that we already know the natural systems and activities that are involved in the generation of electricity, we can understand the harmful effects it causes on the environment. Each of these electricity generating plants have a different effect on the environment. Here are what is the Environmental Impact of Electric Power:

• Natural Resources Consumption: The destruction of the ecosystem for the exploitation of deposits implies the erosion of the soil, the loss of vegetation and biodiversity and the contamination of the waters and the soils.
• Emissions and spills: The burning of fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O), sulfur oxides, nitrogen and particles that, together with spills of different composition, negatively alter the environment. To this we should add the damage caused by the use of water dedicated to the cooling of the centrals, which returns to the environment with a temperature higher than that is naturally, producing an increase in temperature and considerable effects on the aquatic flora and fauna.
• Waste generation: As, for example, the ashes produced in combustion plants. However, radioactive waste from nuclear plants, their danger, pollution and difficult treatment are of special importance.
• Noise: The works for the installation and use of heavy machinery for maintenance of plants are source of noise pollution.
• Visual impact: Every central, causes a greater and lesser impact on the landscape, to which the electricity lines that occupy kilometers of extension, necessary to transport the electricity.

Until now, we have talked about the environmental impact at the local or regional level, however, other effects of greater relevance are added due to their reach globally. Do you know what damage electricity does to the environment? Then we explain it to you:

• Climate change: The emission of greenhouse gases causes the atmosphere to retain more heat than necessary and with it an increase in global temperature. This increase in the planet temperature results in the melting of glaciers and ice plates, increasing sea level and causing floods. In addition to more aggressive climatic phenomena, ocean acidification, habitat modifications and loss of biodiversity, among others.
• Ozone layer degradation: Some gases and particles emitted such as CFC (chlorofluorocarbonades) cause the rupture of ozone molecules, causing the decrease in this layer and with it its ability to retain ultraviolet radiation. The excess radiation that reaches the earth can cause diseases such as skin and cataract cancer and interfere with the process of plants photosynthesis.
• Acid rain: The emission of sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with the water of the atmosphere, forming sulfuric acid and nitric acid respectively, which are dragged by rain and fog causing the acidity of the waters, the deterioration of the ecosystem and even the death of living beings. In the following ecology article, we explain what acid rain is: definition, causes and consequences.

If you want to read more articles similar to How electrical production affects the environmentwe recommend that you enter our pollution category.