What are the advantages of hydroelectric power?

The advantages of hydroelectric power are that it is a renewable energy source, it uses naturally flowing water and it helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is also reliable and has low operational and maintenance costs.

Hydroelectric power is power that is generated through water — water flows through dams and that flow spins turbines which are connected to generators. There are several advantages to this source of energy.

• Renewable — the source of the power is water. It flows in the locations of dams anywhere, and it is sourced naturally through rain. Therefore, the water itself is free, and should always be available.
• Pollution — fuel is not burned when energy is produced through hydropower. This means it produces very little pollution which, in turn, helps to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reliable — many forms of renewable energy are not reliable, but hydroelectric power is. The dams are constructed in such a way that there is a constant flow of water through them which means energy production remains consistent. It is not even dependent on regular rainfall.
• Low cost — the maintenance and operational costs of hydroelectric power plants are low when compared to other sources of energy production. Hydropower facilities also last longer than other types of energy production.