WHAT IS HYDROPOWER AND IS IT AN EFFECTIVE SOURCE OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY?

Hydropower is a form of energy that is obtained from the movement of (flowing) water ( http://renewable-energy-source.info/hydropower.html ). In water, energy is extracted and used in two forms: motive energy and temperature differences ( http://renewable-energy-source.info/hydropower.html ). It is therefore an example of a renewable energy source.

Hydroelectric power harvested from potential energy of water elevation now supplies 19% of the world's electricity, although not used world wide because of the need of constant flow in large dams, dams which under normal circumstances are constantly stopped and started ( http://renewable-energy-source.info/hydropower.html ). Hydroelectricity can also not be used, in many situations as a sole resource for energy as in many situations environmental consequences have to be considered, although small-scale hydropower can be used as an effective alternative energy source in particular remote areas where other power sources are not viable ( http://renewable-energy-source.info/hydropower.html ).

 

Simone Neethling
BCB Department
University of the Western Cape
241343632@uwc.ac.za