Hydroelectricity to fulfill global energy demand

Hydro electric farms power output can be on an average up to 30 MW -100 KW (micro hydro electric dam), that is adequate to fulfil the power requirement of a small city. There are 14 countries in the world out of 17 poorest that are completely dependent on hydroelectricity for fulfilling their local energy demand (as per the reports by environmental group International Rivers).  Recent discoveries of some geothermal sources show only 50 per cent of energy trapped from these vents of super volcano can provide energy to the whole planet. Such high hydrothermal energy has been discovered in deep waters in Los Cabos in Mexico, which can be used to supply homes and offices. 

But, in the recent years, change in climate and extreme heat waves has effected such arrangements. Also, the construction of such dams led to death of fish species that cannot migrate, and the number of local fish such as salmon reduced to 1-2 millions (which was otherwise more than fifteen million). 

Global hydrothermal energy output

Lesser water in rivers reduced hydroelectric output in the month of July 2018.  Power deficiency caused by climate change does not affect countries having diversified power generation options. It is believed the energy delivering methods should be supported by new technologies to counter climate change, and countries dependent on such sources should diversify into alternatives to handle decrease in electricity output through hydro-thermal power plants. 

Venezuela has been affected by inadequate energy outputs in the year due to climate change, where draughts led to the loss of water from reservoirs, leaving people with no water and no electricity. Lack of rain reduced output and this led to situations like more than 14 hours in the day time without power. Similar, concerns were raised in Ireland where climate change led to less wind and water. 
Hydrothermal is low-cost source of energy, accounting for more than 17 per cent of the global electricity need and will continue to deliver the equivalent level of energy till 2020. In China, the energy produced by wind farms and solar panels accounts for 11 and 21 per cent of total energy power generated, respectively, and hydro power accounts for 3.7 per cent. These new energy options are being explored by China to handle the need of electricity by the growing population where the electricity output increased by 6.7 per cent and consumption grew 8 per cent in 2017, and in 2018, in the first six months, the power generation increased by 8.3 per cent. 

Need for technological advancement in hydro thermal projects 

IEA reports claim the investment on hydro, solar and wind energies decreased in 2017, and investment on fossil fuels was two-third of 2014. Climate change impact has been hindering hydro thermal production and developments are required to handle it. E.g. the variable speed motor can help to promote more energy output from the same dam.  Some of the leading dams – the three gorge dam in China (that produces more than 22,500 MG electricity) and Itaipu in Brazil, Paraguay border (could produce more than 14,000 MG) are able to deliver record electricity, but most turbines used in such dams are single speed, whereas, the variable speed hydro projects operates close to turbines and enhances efficiency to deliver maximum output.  Many US companies are preparing to install such technologies into their existing projects to generate more energy.

To find out more on energy production through hydro and thermal plants, visit 99 Alternative – (http://www.99alternatives.com).