PROS
■ Moderate net-energy yield.
■ Limitless and reliable source, if managed properly.
■ Little air pollution; small carbon footprint.
■ Competitive cost; no significant cost fluctuations determined by gas and
oil prices.
■ The disruption to wildlife and land is minimal.
■ Potential 60% savings on business and residential heating and cooling
costs.
■ Not weather dependent like solar or wind.CONS
■ Reservoir sites are scarce.
■ Source can be depleted if not managed properly.
■ Causes noise, odor (H 2 S), and land subsidence.
■ Can degrade the ecosystem due to corrosive, thermal, or saline wastes.
■ High upfront costs for building plants.
■ Uses a large amount of water.
■ Discharges into the earth would include sulfur dioxide and silica,
potentially contaminating the groundwater.Hydroelectric Power
Dams are built to trap water, which in turn is then released and channeled
through turbines that generate electricity. Hydroelectric power supplies about
10% of the electricity in the United States and approximately 3% worldwide.