The flowing source - Renewable as water

 

When you hear the word “water” many of you might think of drinking a glass of water or taking a shower. But water can also be used for a lot of other things. For example making it able for you to play computer or watch television.  But, energy sources usually have some kind of side effect. Is water an exception?
 
The environmental question is bigger than ever, and in times like these it’s becoming more and more like a lifestyle. The world is in need of energy and one climate friendly energy station is the hydroelectric type. In Sweden there are about 1 800 hydroelectric power stations. In order for a hydroelectric power station to function, it has to be built close to a river. It’s in need of moving water which means it can’t be build out at sea. A hydroelectric power station is like a big wall that prevents the water from flowing naturally, and a turbine that is driven by a generator. When the water falls from the higher level of the structure to the lower level, it transforms its energy into another kind of energy which causes the turbines to rotate and from that point, the power station starts to produce electricity. One of the best things with this kind of power stations is that there’s no kind of waste products.

This way of extracting energy isn’t all bullet proof though. First of all it doesn’t work well in areas with a lot of drought. Secondly, the environment around the hydroelectric power station takes a lot of damage, including the animals. Fish usually travel up along the river to mate, but when there’s a hydroelectric power station in the way it pretty much makes it impossible. Also, the terrain below these types of stations is often very dry and the water level is low. Forests around the stations often end up being removed to make room for roads and facilities. Even though hydroelectricity has its weaknesses, many people consider it to be one of the best ways to extract energy without hurting the areas around it more than necessary.

Isn’t there any better way of extracting energy then this? Can we really allow ourselves to make such an impact on nature and its animals just for our own personal profit?
The hydroelectric power station on the picture is the biggest in the world. It's positioned on the border between Brazil and Paraguay.
Text by: Markus Morian Sp2a
HTML by: Fredrik Seidevall TEDT3b