Hydroelectric
power is climate friendly, but it remains a disputed energy source. It's not
always the case that renewable energy has a positive impact on the environment,
as some major dam projects have proven.
Humans have
used water-generated energy sources for over 2,000 years. Today, power produced
from water accounts for 15 percent of worldwide electricity production - more
than nuclear energy. Other renewable forms of energy, such as wind and solar,
account for just 4 percent.
Water's
potential, however, is far from exhausted, and it is an attractive alternative
to energies that contribute to carbon dioxide levels.
Studies
show that hydroelectric power could meet nearly all of the planet's energy
needs. But that is not likely to happen.
"The
cost-benefit ratio just does not work out," according to Andre Böhling of
Greenpeace Germany. "Water as a renewable energy has to be considered in a
differentiated way - on a case-by-case basis."
The varying
outcomes of large-scale dam projects illustrate Böhling's point.
Old dam,
new energy
 |
| Harvesting power from water has a long tradition |
One such
project in Honduras called the Esperanza Hydroelectric Facility offers an
example of how water can be used ideally and effectively. The facility draws on
existing dam structures, occupies a minimal amount of space, and the positive
effects of its constant energy production are apparent.
Canadian
entrepreneur Ron Turner heads the project which has been nominated for the
World Clean Energy Award. The facility is the first project in the world to
sell its carbon offsets in accordance with the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
But many
big dam projects develop into ecological, economic and social disasters,
becoming far too intrusive on nature and society.
The Indian
Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Three Gorges Dam in China symbolize environmental
destruction and disregard for human rights rather than environmental progress.
Dams that
result in the flooding of forest areas are especially problematic. Over the
course of years, the rotting plants they leave behind release large quantities
of methane - a gas that has an even worse impact on the climate than carbon
dioxide.
Despite
their questionable record, large-scale dams continue to be built in India,
China and South America.
Discussions
at an end
 |
| Brazil's Itaipu Dam is the world's second-largest hydroelectric power producer |
In much of
the West, such projects are no longer conceivable.
"The
discussion about big new projects in Germany is over," said Harald Uphoff
of Germany's National Association of Hydroelectric Plants.
The growth
opportunities that remain will likely come by way of new methods and
technology. Experts are currently testing special buoys that can be hung in
rivers with little ecological impact.
Another
priority is modernizing the often more than 50-year-old plants in order to
generate more electricity, and the project in Honduras offered one example of
how that can work.
Potential
for Germany?
Accounting
for 3.5 percent of Germany's electricity output, hydroelectric power is the
country's second biggest form of renewable energy after wind. But the economic
and ecological sense of creating more water power facilities is a divisive
issue.
"In
the long term, people should not expect significant increases in water power
production," said Andre Böhling.
Others
disagree, like Uphoff, who argues that "such attitudes lead to a
self-fulfilling prophecy."
 |
| The Heimbach power plant in Germany has generated electricity since 1904 |
Representatives
from the hydroelectric power industry argue that water could provide at least a
third more electricity in Germany. Their hopes lie largely with miniature
plants - small, decentralized facilities with outputs up to five megawatts.
They currently are responsible for 20 percent of Germany's hydropower.
"Such
facilities are often enough to provide energy for small communities,"
Uphoff said.
15,000
unused sites
The federal
government sponsored a 2008 study of German rivers and streams discovering
15,000 embankments and barrages not yet used for generating power. Industry
representatives would like to see hydro facilities account for as much energy
production as nuclear power plants, but environmental objections stand in their
way.
German
legislators passed a 2009 bill with incentives to produce electricity in
environmentally-friendly ways. Those who equip their small-scale hydro
facilities with ecologically-sound measures, like fish ladders, will receive
more money for each watt they contribute to the power supply.
Author: Oliver Samson / gsw
Editor: Gregg Benzow
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