Question

Although producing electricity from burning fossil fuels, such as in coal-fired power plants, is common around the world, some scientists and economists argue that where the geography is appropriate, hydroelectric power is a better method for generating electricity. (i) Describe one advantage of using hydroelectric power plants over using coal-fired power plants. (ii) Describe one potential disadvantage of hydroelectric power plants.

Answer 1

Answer:

(i) Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source as it is replenished by natural resources like the sun, unlike coal-fired power plants that generate electricity using coal which is not a renewable energy source.

(ii) It is expensive regarding the cost of building dams and reservoirs, not only that it is dependent on the amount of water available as places like the deserts would find it difficult to generate electricity all year round considering the unavailability of rain in some months of the year.

Explanation:

Hydroelectric power plants produce electricity when water energy from a water source, examples are dams and reservoirs which are caused to flow so as to turn rotors on a turbine, thereby converting this process to electricity. Coal-fired power plants are also used to produce electricity through the burning of coal (fossil fuel).