Disadvantages to Generating Hydroelectric Power Energy

The industry claims that producing energy by harnessing the power of water instead of processing fossil fuels is more friendly to the environment.

Clean, Green Energy?

Though totally clean from an emissions standpoint, these big hydroelectric power plants have a cost to wildlife. They do prevent many species of fish from reaching their spawning grounds, and they act as a food processor, dicing up and pureeing fish in their turbines. They, therefore, affect the natural habitat of these fish, and then other wildlife in the food chain.

Larger Attempts

The hydroelectric operators recognize the fish dilemma, and they have taken some steps to try to help solve the problems involved. For instance, some utilities have built fish ladders to help salmon get past dams so they can reach their upstream spawning grounds.

Smaller Solutions

The smaller hydoelectric power plants are more environmentally friendly because they do not restrict the flow of waterways as dramatically, and fish can avoid these obstructions.

Hydro at Home

Homeowners who have rights to a waterway on their property often purchase small hydroelectric units that capture the movement of their otherwise unrestricted streams. These small, paddle-wheel devices are not as attractive to fish, and therefore not as dangerous to them, making the smaller units much more green than their larger brothers.