Renewable Energy - Water & Bio
Geography: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 2.1.5
Hydroelectric Power & Biofuels
With hydroelectric power, water high above the ground is a store of gravitational potential energy. Hydroelectric dams trap water and allowing it to fall rotates a turbine, which turns a generator.
Advantages and disadvantages of HEP
- Advantages of hydroelectric power:
- Renewable.
- More reliable than wind and solar.
- Disadvantages of hydroelectric power:
- Hydroelectric dams often change the paths of rivers, which can move people out of houses and harm local wildlife.
- Flooding of animals' habitats when dams are constructed, harming biodiversity.
Advantages and disadvantages of biofuels
- Advantages of biofuels:
- Renewable and sustainable.
- More reliable than wind and solar.
- Can be made from other waste products, which is sustainable, renewable and efficient.
- Disadvantages of biofuels:
- Deforestation happens when clearing an area for biomass crops.
- Growing biomass crops needs high water supplies.
Test yourself on Renewable Energy - Water & Bio
Which of the following is an advantage of hydroelectric power?