Out of the all of the five traditional major sources of energy, hydro-electric power is the only one that is renewable. At the plant level, water flows through a pipe and then spins the blades in a turbine, which, in turn, spins a generator that ultimately produces electricity. Most conventional hydroelectric facilities operate this way, including run-of-the-river systems and pumped storage systems.
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Advantages
Hydropower provides low-cost electricity and durability over time compared to other sources of energy. Construction costs can even be mitigated by using preexisting structures such as bridges, tunnels, and dams. Hydropower complements other renewable energy sources.
Disadvantages
Large dams and power plants can have a huge negative visual impact on the environment. They can obstruct the river for aquatic life. Large areas of land may need to be flooded to from the reservoir behind the dam.
