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Hydropower
Hydropower
POWER
Flowing water creates energy that can be
captured and turned into electricity. This is
called hydroelectric power or hydropower.
Generally, the distance that the water falls depends on the size of the dam. Scientists
would say that the power of falling water is "directly proportional" to the distance it falls.
More water falling through the turbine will produce more power. Power is also "directly
proportional" to river flow.
Engineers have found that we can calculate the power of a dam using the following
formula:
Power The electric power in kilowatts (one kilowatt equals 1,000 watts).
River Flow The amount of water flowing in the river measured in cubic feet per second.
How well the turbine and generator convert the power of falling water into electric power. For older,
Efficiency poorly maintained hydroplants this might be 60% (0.60) while for newer, well operated plants this might
be as high as 90% (0.90).
2.) Wildlife and Fishes get Affected – The Fishes are the most affected species from Dam Construction as
the normal flow of the river is completely changed from its river character to a lake one. Submergence of
land also leads to ecological destruction of the habitat of land based wildlife.
3.) Earthquake Vulnerability – Large Dam Construction has been linked to increased propensity of
Earthquakes. Massive Earthquakes in China and Uttarakhand in India were linked to the building of
Massive Dams in these countries
4.) Siltation When water flows it has the ability to transport particles heavier than itself
downstream. This has a negative effect on dams and subsequently their power stations,
particularly those on rivers or within catchment areas with high siltation
5.) Tail Risk, Dam Failure – Because large conventional dammed-hydro facilities hold back
large volumes of water, a failure due to poor construction, terrorism, or other cause can
be catastrophic to downriver settlements and infrastructure
.
6.) Long Gestation Time – The time to construct a large hydro power project can take
between 5-10 years which leads to time and cost overruns.
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