Respond to the following: Hydropower as a Renewable Energy Resource-Benefits and Drawbacks
- Describe the sources of this renewable resource.
- Explain how this renewable resource is harnessed for energy.
- Considering that it takes energy to make energy, identify the kind of energy needed to make electrical energy from this resource.
- State the average amount of energy this renewable source produces. For example, on average, how much energy does a single wind turbine produce in a year? Or, how much energy does a dam produce in a year? Or, how many wind turbines would be needed to produce the same amount of energy as the average dam?
- Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of the renewable energy resource
Each type of proposed renewable energy has its benefits and drawbacks. For example, hydropower has the benefit of relatively consistent results; however, it remains controversial due to its impact on aquatic environments.
