Hydropower

Hydroelectric power can offer a dependable energy source, replacing fossil fuel plants in areas with sufficient stream flows, like the Pacific Northwest, where it supplies 50% of its electricity.

In North America, hydroelectric power produces electricity with almost zero carbon emissions. However, in some locations, it can produce more greenhouse gases than coal power plants. 

Although North America has mostly utilized its prime hydropower sites, Africa possesses substantial untapped potential, presenting an opportunity to significantly increase the continent’s energy. Droughts, however, can dramatically cut power production, making hydropower less dependable over longer periods.

Fast Facts

• Hydroelectric power (hydropower) generated with dams provides water storage and reliable power to meet baseline and peak loads given adequate river flows.
• Dams can provide flood control, water storage, and recreational opportunities during their 50, 100-year, or longer lifespan.
• Africa has the largest undeveloped hydropower potential of all continents
• Hydroelectric power can generate greenhouse gas (GHG) levels slightly higher than nuclear, the cleanest energy source, to much more than coal power plants, depending on their vegetation and stream flow patterns.

Background

Hydroelectric power, also called hydropower, is a form of renewable energy that uses the water stored in dams, as well as flowing in rivers, to create electricity in hydropower plants. The falling water rotates the blades of a turbine, which then spins a generator that converts the mechanical energy of the spinning turbine into electrical energy. Hydroelectric power is a significant component of electricity production worldwide.

Dams

Most hydroelectric power is produced by dams that store water, making this energy source particularly effective for meeting both baseline and peak demand variations. This sets it apart from more inconsistent renewable energy sources like wind or solar power. However, hydroelectric power’s reliability is less than that of nuclear, gas, and coal energy, due to its dependence on the hydrological cycle. A prominent example in the US is the Hoover Dam near Las Vegas, Nevada, which has reduced its power production and may eventually cease due to a prolonged drought and excessive water consumption.

Hydropower Distribution

Hydropower plants generate electricity in over 150 countries, with the majority produced in China, Canada, Brazil, and the United States.

While most prime hydropower dam sites in North America are already in use, Africa holds significant untapped potential that could substantially boost the continent’s electricity supply. Unfortunately, the World Bank has been advocating for wind and solar projects instead of dependable hydropower or coal. Leaders of wealthy countries, who have never faced unreliable power due to their reliance on fossil fuels ensuring 24/7 electricity, hypocritically promote unreliable wind and solar projects to poorer nations. However, African leaders, aware of the struggles from extremely low levels of reliable power, are too astute to be misled by this approach.

Environmental Impact

Hydropower dams can inundate vast areas of land to create storage reservoirs, resulting in the displacement of towns, cities, and natural habitats. These dams can also disrupt fish runs by blocking their return to spawning grounds. Beyond the well-known loss of habitat and the impact on fish populations, the climate effects of hydropower dams can sometimes surpass those of the most polluting coal power plants.

Africa has the world’s highest potential for untapped hydropower, which includes large areas where vegetative growth patterns could increase emissions beyond equivalent fossil fuel electrical plants.