Hydropower
Hydroelectricity is produced when water flowing from rivers and streams become trapped in reservoirs behind dams. When released, the force of the water runs from the reservoir through the dam spinning the blades of a giant turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator that produces electricity as it spins. The water flows back into the river onto the other side of the dam after it passes through the turbine. Although hydropower does not pollute the air or the water, its facilities can have a large environmental impact by changing the environment and affecting land use, homes, and habitats in that area.
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
Good substitute for oil (environmental) |
Short driving range for current fuel-cell cars (economic) |
Safer than gasoline and natural gas (environmental) |
Excessive H2 leaks may deplete ozone in the atmosphere (environmental) |
High efficiency (45-65%) in fuel cells (economic) |
High costs (economic) |
Can be produced from plentiful water (economic) |
Nonrenewable if generated by fossil fuels or nuclear power (environmental) |
No CO2 emissions (environmental) |
CO2 emissions if produced from carbon-containing compounds (environmental) |