Hydropower
Hydropower has been used for centuries to power machinery, but the application most commonly associated with hydropower is electricity production through dams. Specific factors must be in place for hydropower technologies to be viable for nation-wide applications.
Hydropower and pumped storage continue to play a crucial role in our fight against climate change by providing essential power, storage, and flexibility services. Below are just some of the benefits that hydropower can provide as South Africa and the African continent transition to 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Hydropower and pumped storage continue to play a crucial role in our fight against climate change by providing essential power, storage, and flexibility services. Below are just some of the benefits that hydropower can provide as South Africa and the African continent transition to 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
ADVANTAGES OF HYDROPOWER:
• Hydropower is a renewable source of energy.
• The energy generated through hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it renewable.
• Hydropower is fuelled by water, making it a clean source of energy.
• Hydroelectric power is a domestic source of energy, allowing each state to produce its own energy without being reliant on international fuel sources.
• Impoundment hydropower creates reservoirs that offer recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Most hydropower installations are required to provide some public access to the reservoir to allow the public to take advantage of these opportunities.
• Hydroelectric power is flexible. Some hydropower facilities can quickly go from zero power to maximum output. Because hydropower plants can generate power to the grid immediately, they provide essential backup power during major electricity outages or disruptions.
• Hydropower provides benefits beyond electricity generation by providing flood control, irrigation support, and clean drinking water.
• Hydropower is affordable. Hydropower provides low-cost electricity and durability over time compared to other sources of energy. Construction costs can even be mitigated by using pre-existing structures such as bridges, tunnels, and dams.
• Hydropower compliments other renewable energy sources. Technologies like pumped storage hydropower (PSH) store energy to use in tandem with renewables such as wind and solar power when demand is high.
• The energy generated through hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it renewable.
• Hydropower is fuelled by water, making it a clean source of energy.
• Hydroelectric power is a domestic source of energy, allowing each state to produce its own energy without being reliant on international fuel sources.
• Impoundment hydropower creates reservoirs that offer recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Most hydropower installations are required to provide some public access to the reservoir to allow the public to take advantage of these opportunities.
• Hydroelectric power is flexible. Some hydropower facilities can quickly go from zero power to maximum output. Because hydropower plants can generate power to the grid immediately, they provide essential backup power during major electricity outages or disruptions.
• Hydropower provides benefits beyond electricity generation by providing flood control, irrigation support, and clean drinking water.
• Hydropower is affordable. Hydropower provides low-cost electricity and durability over time compared to other sources of energy. Construction costs can even be mitigated by using pre-existing structures such as bridges, tunnels, and dams.
• Hydropower compliments other renewable energy sources. Technologies like pumped storage hydropower (PSH) store energy to use in tandem with renewables such as wind and solar power when demand is high.
Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH)
Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a type of hydroelectric energy storage. It is a configuration of two water reservoirs at different elevations that can generate power as water moves down from one to the other (discharge), passing through a turbine. The system also requires power as it pumps water back into the upper reservoir (recharge). PSH acts similarly to a giant battery, because it can store power and then release it when needed
Open and Closed Loop Pumped Storage
