Generating electricity essay Why do humans require electricity to be generated in a large scale? Electricity is very important in our lives because almost everything we use is operated by electricity. Electricity enables us to use machines like televisions, computers, phone, air condition, microwave, fridge, and fans which makes our life much easier. Electricity has to be produced in large quantities due to its increasing demands. Producing electricity requires energy to turn turbines and thus turn generators. Energy demand is likely to increase due to the increasing world population. Today, 68% of energy worldwide comes from fossil fuels, 13.4% from nuclear fission and 19% from hydro and other renewable sources. However, fossil fuels are …show more content…
Firstly, hydropower is fueled by water, so it's a clean and green resource. No fuel is burnt and therefore no pollutants are produced unlike power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas and produce harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide in the air. It also doesn’t produce carbon dioxide; a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Secondly, it is a renewable resource as we cannot run out of water. Water is recycled on the earth naturally through the water cycle. Another benefit of hydroelectric power plant reservoirs collect rainwater which can then be consumed or used for …show more content…
For example, forests and other types of natural vegetation are destroyed, as also are wildlife habitats due to the large land area required to build the dam. The chemical composition and low dissolved oxygen levels of reservoir water have a negative impact on the aquatic plants and animals. Fish species are the primary victims as damage to the reproduction of fishes can eliminate whole fish species. Also, the natural flow of nutrients and sediment is disrupted by the dam. In addition, water is lost through evaporation in dammed reservoirs at a much higher rate than in flowing rivers. Furthermore, making dams on rivers affect the amount, quality and temperature of water that flow in streams which has drastic effects on agriculture and drinking