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HYDRO POWER

Hydro power is an accepted renewable technology and already produce 12% electricity to the national grid and will increase in the future.  The technology is already situated mainly in the highlands and island area. As it is an efficient way to generate electricity this technology is used in small and large scale system. To make the system more sustainable it is important to further research and develop by increasing the efficiency.

 

The current capacity of hydro power in Scotland in 2016 is 1.61 GW.

 

 

 

 

How does it work?

 

Hydro power system only works on waterfalls or water flows down a hill as potential energy is created due to its high and speed which then enters the system and turbine to rotate the generator to produce electricity. The faster the water enters the system the more electricity will be produced and this can only occur when make in the system more efficient.

The Cruachan Power Station (also known as the Cruachan Dam) is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Advantages

 

  • Further planning permission is considered to increase hydro power system

  • More reliable based on natural resource as water is used to generate electricity

  • Can be contributes to a location with smaller community

  • Reduction to electricity price as renewable energy is added to the national grid

  • Reduction in carbon emission as no carbon gas is emitted and least impact to the environment

  • System can be operated and stopped at anytime

  • Water can be stored and used to operate

  • Can also be used for tourist attraction

 

 

Disadvantages

 

  • Expensive to design and construct therefore consideration needs to be taken

  • Long term payback and can be profitable after a few years

  • Not efficient enough and needs to be researched more

  • Planning permission is required as needs to be in an isolated area as flood can potentially occur

  • When planning a hydro power system can affect geological damage

  • Not enough storage cpapcity

 

 

Environmental Impact

 

Using hydropower system can have beneficial impact to environmental, economic and social. And does not contribute any carbon emission. However there are other environmental impact which will be difficult to avoid. When installing hydro power systems it can change the water temperatures and may cause stress to water animals and can contribute to high death rates. Based on large scale community and individual living near the system may force them to relocate their living accommodations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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