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Hydro power plants are a source of conventional
renewable energy, because they use a renewable natural source of energy,
such as water. The renewable process starts with the rainfall, which
feed into the rivers. The hydro power plants take advantage of
accumulated potential power from the waterfalls and/or dams on the
rivers, to drive turbines that will move a power generator. Afterward,
that same water is returned to the river without any form of pollution,
then it flows into the ocean and from there it evaporates, comes back in
the form of winds and rainfall and the process -- which does not deplete
water resources -- starts once more.
Among its advantages, we can say that it involves
clean energy which, contrary to thermal power, does not pollute the air
or water. On the other hand, although the initial investment for the
construction of hydro power plants is quite high, the works of
engineering necessary to take advantage of hydro power have a very long
useful life. Furthermore, due to the fact that power generation is
largely dependent on the amount of rainfall and the water accumulated at
the reservoirs, it is indispensable to ensure water reserves by
preserving forests and reforesting watersheds.
Hydro power plants create reversible
environmental impacts on ecosystems during their construction stage.
These impacts are duly identified in the environmental impact studies,
where mitigation measures are also included. On the other hand,
authorities provide strict follow-up through environmental inspections,
compliance with mitigation measures during the construction stages, and
the operation of the hydro power plant.
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