World's Largest Hydropower Plant-Three Gorges
Lately we hear a lot about Solar, Wind, and even Nuclear, but what about Hydropower? Although nuclear energy is not a renewable source we include it because it does play a significant role in creating electricity, and it is an alternative. Here are some interesting statistics about how we generate electricity here in the U.S. It looks to be upside down in respect to what would make sense. If we want to have a healthy environment going forward our priorities need to change. We already have pages dedicated to Solar, Wind and Geothermal so let's look at Power generated using water power. Did you know that Norway produces 99% of it's electricity using Hydro-electric? New Zealand produces 75%. As impressive as this looks Canada and the United States produce the most in kilowatt hours(KWH), followed by the former USSR and Brazil. So should it be high on our list of ways to generate electricity? Here is what we know to be true about this form of Renewable Energy. It does not contribute to Greenhouse gas, Leaves no pollution and is extremely reliable. It has expanded water recreation sources and also has created a healthy environment for fisheries. It's a fact that game fish like Walleye and Smallmouth Bass are more abundant in hydroelectric reservoirs than in natural lakes. Hydro-electric power is the most efficient way to generate electricity. Many hydro turbines are converting 90% of available energy into electricity. The average cost to produce electricity with Hydro here in the U.S. is .85 cents per KWH. That is 50% of the cost of nuclear, 40% less than the cost of fossil fuel, and 25% of the cost using natural gas.
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