Is hydraulic energy renewable?

Hydraulic energy is one of the oldest energies and that thanks to technology has suffered great changes and advances over the years.

This energy is generated thanks to Water movement that occurs in The rivers and reservoirs. Water moves a turbine that generates electricity and this goes directly to the electricity grid. There are two types of hydroelectric plants:

• Flowing water hydroelectric plants.
• Hydroelectric plants at the foot of prey.

To have more information you can read this other article about what is hydraulic energy and examples.

Yes, hydraulic energy is a renewable energyThis means that it is impossible to get exhausted since it replenishes with rain and thaw. Hydraulic energy is the one that is most used throughout the world, although it is true that the development of solar energy and wind energy, little by little, are becoming sources of renewable energy of special importance. Learn more about renewable energies: advantages and disadvantages here and in this other link learn about renewable and non -renewable energies: examples and summary.

Now that it has been clarified that Hydraulic energy is renewableThen we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic energy and data worldwide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z34TBQB79je

Next, the Main advantages of hydraulic energy:

• Renewable energy: As we have already mentioned, it is an energy that can always be used, that is, it is inexhaustible. This is because the resource used to be able to generate it, the water, comes from the rain and the thaw when the warm era begins.
• Reusable: The same water that has been used to generate energy can be used again.
• Its production is flexible: Depending on the demand for energy needed, more or less quantity can be produced. The hydroelectric plants are under the reservoirs which is where the water accumulates, having the water stored in the reservoirs can be available as needed.
• Stable: Compared to solar or wind energy that depends on the climatic conditions that are occurring at the time, hydraulic energy is a more stable energy since it does not depend on whether it is raining or not, thanks to the water accumulated in the reservoirs.
• Economic: The cost to generate electricity from this energy is really low with a global average cost of 0.05 US/KWh⁽¹⁾.
• Safe: This energy is largely respectful of the environment because it reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and to obtain it no waste is generated. Also keep in mind that the natural resource used by being inexhaustible does not generate impact to the environment.

Hydraulic energy despite being renewable and having many advantages, also shows some disadvantages that do not make it possible to take advantage of the whole. These are the main disadvantages of hydraulic energy:

• Environmental impact: Although it is a renewable energy and this helps that it is not harmful to the environment, it really has negative environmental consequences since to build hydroelectric plants, large spaces are needed. The construction of these centrals is harmful to ecosystems and living beings that inhabit it, such as plants and animals. In addition, there is a worsening of the physical-chemical quality of water.
• Prolonged drought: We use water to generate this type of energy, although it is true that it is renewable and does not depend on daily rainfall, it could be affected in a prolonged drought. A drought would reduce water contributions to reservoirs, with the consequence of not being able to be used for energy generation.
• Water priority: In some regions with water deficit, they prioritize the use of water for livestock, agricultural activities and for populations. Therefore, in regions with less accumulation of water in the reservoirs, the use of water to generate energy does not develop or do not reach its maximum potential.
• Location of hydroelectric plants: They are usually in areas far from places of consumption, such as populations, which is why methods are necessary to bring energy from one place to another, resulting in the loss of energy and an impact on the environment.

To expand this information we recommend this other ecology article about the advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic energy.

Although it is true that hydraulic energy has some disadvantages, the advantages it presents are greater, which is why it is still used to generate electricity. Within the renewable energiesworldwide, Hydraulic energy is the one that generates the greatest electricity in the world with almost 67%. This energy is contributing to the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement, thus putting a brake on the acceleration of climate change and contributing to sustainable development.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujannuo9uia

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