Hydropower

Strenght :

 Reduce GHG by approximately 95% when compared with coal

 Cheapest form of RET/unit of electricity
 Zero fuel utilization
 Most available, reliable and flexible form of RET
 Can provide base load and peak load
 Most energy efficient among RET (>90%)

Weakness

 Partially intermittent especially tropical and Amazonian reservoirs

 May be responsible for earthquake
 Location specific
 Displacement of population
 Declining fisheries
 Low energy efficiency (24% - 54%)
 Partially low capacity factor (20 – 70%)

Opportunities

 More new electricity from BRIC and other developing countries as with nesses

Threats

 Declining hydro dam construction because of resistance from habitats and pressure
 Effect on biodiversity
 Effect on water quality and hydrological regimes
 Climate change effect