What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power systems?

Hydroelectricity enjoys several advantages over most other sources of electrical power. These include a high level of reliability, proven technology, high efficiency, very low operating and maintenance costs, and the ability to easily adjust to load changes.

Because many hydropower plants are located in conjunction with reservoirs, hydropower projects often provide water, flood control, and recreation benefits. In addition, hydropower does not produce waste products that contribute to air quality problems, acid rain, and greenhouse gases. It is a renewable resource that reduces the use of other fuels (oil, gas, and coal).

Disadvantages of hydroelectricity include high initial costs of facilities; dependence on precipitation (no control over amount of water available); changes in stream regimens (can affect fish, plants, and wildlife by changing stream levels, flow patterns, and temperature); inundation of land and wildlife habitat (creation of reservoir); and displacement of people living in the reservoir area.

The environmental impacts of hydroelectric projects are discussed in great detail in the publication Hydropower and the Environment (IEA Hydropower IA, 2000) 533kb.

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