Hydropower

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As we begin to realize the impacts of global warming, we must prepare for the future, in terms of our own survival and the survival of our environment. Approximately 7% of energy used in the United States is renewable. Of the 7% of renewable energy used, only about 36% of it was produced by hydropower. The amount used may vary from year to year due to the amount of precipitation, and the geographical area. About 8% of renewable sources produced electricity in 2007. 71% of the renewable electricity was created by hydropower. [1] Hydropower is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to produce energy. This procedure to produce energy does not negatively impact the air, nor the water. Hydropower is a step that can be taken into consideration for the transit into the clean energy future we all hoped for.

Hydropower is energy created by channeling and harnessing water. The amount of energy created is determined by the flow and/or the fall of the moving water. Energy is created through a simple process in which the water flows through pipes, which then pushes against turbines to spin generators in which electricity is produced. Dams are a source of storage systems for this method of creating energy. By having the power to control the water movement, water can be released when there is a high demand for electricity. The dams helps with irrigation but creates some discrepancies for natural habitat like fishes.



Different Forms of Hydropower

Tidal Power


Wave Power




Types of Hydropower Plants

Impoundment

Impoundment is the most common type of hydroelectric power plants. This system of a larger hydropower plant requires a dam to store a river in a reservoir. Water is controlled and released to meet the electricity needs or to maintain reservoir levels. Electricity is produced when water is released, allowing water to flow through a turbine, which then spins the turbine, activating a generator that produced the electricity needed. [2]

Diversion

Diversion is another also known as "run-of-water". It may or may not require a dam in the process of producing electricity, but it channels river through a canal or penstock. [3]

Pumped Storage

During a period when demand of electricity is high, water is released into the lower reservoir to generate electricity. When the demands for electricity is low, the pumped storage facility stores the energy by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. [4]



Costs

Many people are discouraged by the initial cost to build plants for renewable energy. It is expensive and very capital intensive. Renewable energy plants are more expensive to build and operate than natural gas and coal plants. Hydropower plants are usually located in rural areas were there are flowing rivers and falls. The power is easily available in these remote areas. When it comes to the populated cities, transportation of the renewable Hydropower electricity is more difficult. Transmission lines are required to deliver the power necessary. The investment is very useful in the long run. Generating and producing the power from Hydropower is very cheap. [5]


United States new Policy to Encourage Renewable Energy

In recent years, the U.S. government began giving tax incentives for renewable energy. The Renewable Electricity Production Tax credit was also introduced to encourage an increase in renewable energy. Each State of the United states now has a Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) in which each states require their energy providers to generate or acquire a certain percentage of generation from renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Certificate/credit (REC) is built into the RPS system. This allows the electricity providers of each state to sell renewable energy certificates/credit. With the proceeds, new investments in renewable energy projects can be made. [6]





Notes

  1. Energy Information Administration. Dept. of Energy. 25 Oct. 2008 <http://eia.doe.gov>.
  2. "Wind and Hydropower Technology Programs." Energy Effecientcy and Renewable Energy. 9 Aug. 2005. U.S. Department of Energy. 28 Oct. 2008 <http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/hydro_plant_types.html>.
  3. "Wind and Hydropower Technology Programs." Energy Effecientcy and Renewable Energy. 9 Aug. 2005. U.S. Department of Energy. 28 Oct. 2008 <http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/hydro_plant_types.html>.
  4. "Wind and Hydropower Technology Programs." Energy Effecientcy and Renewable Energy. 9 Aug. 2005. U.S. Department of Energy. 28 Oct. 2008 <http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/hydro_plant_types.html>.
  5. Energy Information Administration. Dept. of Energy. 25 Oct. 2008 <http://eia.doe.gov>.
  6. Energy Information Administration. Dept. of Energy. 25 Oct. 2008 <http://eia.doe.gov>.