Activity 3.2.3 – Alternative Energy-hydroelectric energy

    Alternative energy comes from sources that can be replaced naturally and do not run out, unlike fossil

fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Some of the most common types of alternative energy include solar,

wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy. These energy sources are better for the environment

because they do not produce as much pollution as fossil fuels. While alternative energy is growing, it still

makes up a small part of the world’s total energy use (Mutiti et al., Chapter 4). There are many reasons why

using alternative energy is important. One of the biggest reasons is energy security renewable energy helps

reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which will eventually run out and can be expensive. Environmental

benefits are another big reason. Most renewable energy sources create little or no air pollution, which helps

slow down climate change. Sustainability is another advantage because these energy sources will last a

long time if used wisely. Alternative energy allows for local energy production, meaning electricity can be

made close to where it is needed instead of relying on significant power plants that require long-distance

power lines (Mutiti et al., Chapter 4). One of the most widely used alternative energy sources is

hydroelectric power, also called hydropower. This energy comes from moving water, which turns turbines

to generate electricity. Hydropower is the second-largest renewable energy source after biomass. There are

three main types of hydropower systems. Storage hydropower involves building a dam to hold water in

a reservoir and then releasing it to turn turbines. Pumped-storage hydropower pumps water to a higher

reservoir when extra energy is available and releases it later when energy is needed. Run-of-river hydropower

does not use a large dam but instead diverts part of a river’s flow through turbines, making it less

environmentally harmful (Mutiti et al., Chapter 4). Hydropower has many benefits that make it a good

energy choice. First, it is renewable because water is part of the natural cycle and will not run out. It is also

very reliable because water flow can be controlled to provide electricity when needed. Hydropower plants

do not produce much pollution, making them cleaner than fossil fuel plants. Another advantage is that

hydropower reservoirs have other uses, such as providing water for drinking, farming, and recreation like boating

and fishing (Mutiti et al., Chapter 4). Even though hydropower has many advantages, it also has several

downsides. One of the biggest problems is that dams can harm the environment by blocking fish migration,

changing river ecosystems, and affecting water flow. Another issue is displacement, meaning that people

who live in areas where dams are built may have to leave their homes. Also, while hydropower is cleaner

than fossil fuels, reservoirs release methane gas as plants and other organic materials break down underwater.

Building a dam is very expensive and takes many years to complete. Lastly, not all locations are suitable for

hydropower since it requires strong river flow and specific geography (Mutiti et al., Chapter 4).

Hydropower also has some limits that can affect how well it works. One issue is that electricity production

depends on water availability, so droughts or changes in rainfall can reduce energy output. Many existing

hydropower plants have old equipment that needs to be updated to work efficiently. Another challenge is

that hydropower can change water temperature and chemistry, which can harm fish and plants living in the

river (Mutiti et al., Chapter 4). Hydropower is an important renewable energy source that provides a steady

supply of electricity with low pollution. However, it also has environmental and social challenges that must

be carefully managed. New technology such as fish ladders to help fish migrate and better water

management strategies can help reduce the negative effects of hydropower. While it is not a perfect energy

source, hydroelectric power will continue to be an important part of the world’s shift to cleaner, more

sustainable energy (Mutiti et al., Chapter 4).

Resources: 

MUTITI_et_al_4_alternative_energy.docx

Grammarly, www.grammarly.com/grammar-check.