Environmental impacts of hydropower on economic

This is because deforestation inhibits rainfall and reduces groundwater in tropical rainforest areas.

Positive effects of hydroelectric power

In addition, reservoir water is typically low in dissolved oxygen and colder than normal river water. Risks with the absence, or limited application, of cost-benefit analysis can include: project cost over-runs; projects not delivering their stated benefits; social and environmental impacts either not or only indirectly accounted for; multiplier effects on a regional or local economy not taken into account; and beneficiaries and adversely affected parties not clearly identified. After the area is flooded, the vegetation and soil in these areas decomposes and releases both carbon dioxide and methane. The paper called for the developing world not to use hydropower dams and instead generate hydropower for industry and livelihoods using other methods. In the U. Methane, a strong greenhouse gas, may also form in some reservoirs and be emitted to the atmosphere. This, they said, is because of the serious environmental impact of hydropower dams including: Disrupting the natural ecology of rivers; Damaging forests and biodiversity; Releasing a high amount of greenhouse gases; Disrupting food systems and agriculture; and Deteriorating water quality. Instead, the future of hydroelectric power in the United States will likely involve increased capacity at current dams and new run-of-the-river projects.

Reservoir water is usually more stagnant than normal river water. The exact amount of emissions depends greatly on site-specific characteristics. Wildlife Impacts Dammed reservoirs are used for multiple purposes, such as agricultural irrigation, flood control, and recreation, so not all wildlife impacts associated with dams can be directly attributed to hydroelectric power.

Different approaches to fixing this problem have been used, including the construction of "fish ladders" which help the salmon "step up" the dam to the spawning grounds upstream.

environmental impact of hydro power plant ppt

So building dams can require relocating people. In addition, reservoir water is typically low in dissolved oxygen and colder than normal river water.

Economic impacts of dams

In addition, if too much water is stored behind the reservoir, segments of the river downstream from the reservoir can dry out. Recognition of savings on greenhouse gas emissions, and improved local air quality, to the extent that this can be quantified. Cost-benefit analysis and assessment of long-term economic performance are keys to achievement of economic sustainability. This solution could supply steady power to riverine communities at a low cost and is far more environmentally friendly. These countries have not accounted for the environmental impacts of large dams, which include deforestation and the loss of biodiversity, or the social consequences, such as the displacement of thousands of people and the economic damages they suffer. Costs Land acquisition costs in terms of the actual economic value of the land as opposed to arbitrary valuations. In contrast, the dams now under construction along the rivers of the Amazon basin in South America, on the Congo River in Africa and on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia are mostly designed to supply power to steel manufacturers, for example, without benefiting local communities. Directional horizontal drilling uses a mobile rig to drive an initial narrow tunnel through the ground, and then consolidates and widens the passage to take a sleeve which will provide a clear route for a cable or hydro penstock. The European Commission sees renewable energy as being able to play a major role in tackling climate change whilst also providing Europe with affordable and secure energy. So building dams can require relocating people.

However, estimates for life-cycle global warming emissions from hydroelectric plants built in tropical areas or temperate peatlands are much higher.

For more on the benefits of hydroelectric power and other renewable energy technologies, see Benefits of Renewable Energy Use.

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Social and environmental costs of hydropower are underestimated, study shows