The advantages of hydroelectric
Just like other types of renewable sources, hydroelectric energy is characterised by remarkable advantages as compared to the production of electric energy from fossil fuels. To begin with, it is a renewable and endless source.
Secondly, emissions of polluting substances into the air and water are virtually absent, since no combustion process is involved. In particular, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are reduced by 670 grams for each kW/h of energy output. Other advantages are: a low dependence on ester energy sources, source diversification and the regional re-organization of energy production.
Moreover, mini-electric plants, in many cases, thanks to their hydraulic arrangement, create many advantages to the watercourse (in particular to the regulation of floods in water streams, especially on the mountains characterized by soil deterioration), and can efficiently contribute to the protection and safeguarding of the territory.
In some cases, the artificial lake that forms as a consequence of a weir o dam can improve the surrounding area, by allowing the development of tourist, sports and productive activities that can coexist together with hydroelectric exploitation. The chance to accumulate water and then regulate its flow downhill can also contribute to reduce floods and encourage a better use of water resources, which are becoming more and more precious and rare.
Special reports
-
15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
18 May 2011
Artificial photosynthesis
The history of science and technology is packed with discoveries and inventions inspired by nature...
-
13 May 2013
Small steps, great footprints
Have you ever wondered how much space is taken up by an apple or a steak?...
27 September 2012
Over 7 billion people on Earth
Demographers have estimated that on 31 October 2011 world population...
-
17 January 2019
What Are Solar Cells? Everything You Wanted To Know
When you think of renewable energy, what comes to mind? Water? Wind? Indeed, these two examples have proven the most…
1 June 2018
Is lithium the new petroleum?
Today petroleum vies for the title of “contemporary gold” with several competitors, one of those is certainly lithium...
-
15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
-
18 May 2011
Artificial photosynthesis
The history of science and technology is packed with discoveries and inventions inspired by nature...
-
13 May 2013
Small steps, great footprints
Have you ever wondered how much space is taken up by an apple or a steak?...
27 September 2012
Over 7 billion people on Earth
Demographers have estimated that on 31 October 2011 world population...
-
15 April 2014
How rich are we …. in blue gold?
Water footprint, water availability and use on a planetary scale...
-
18 May 2011
Artificial photosynthesis
The history of science and technology is packed with discoveries and inventions inspired by nature...
From the Multimedia section
Facts
-
The “wave-swallowing” dragon
Wave Dragon, that swallows waves and generates electricity is a plant...
Bio-climatic architecture
Solar energy is playing a vital role with reference to bioclimatic architecture...
The photovoltaic train
In Italy the PVTRAIN project by Trenitalia (co-financed by the European Union) plans...
-
The plant of Almeria
In the Tabernas desert, 30 km north-east of the Andalusia town of Almeria (Spain)...
-
Italian offshore wind farm
The first Italian wind farm will be installed in the waters of the Strait of Otranto...
An artificial geyser
Electric and thermal power produced from geothermal energy depend on the existence of underground infiltrations...
A hydrogen house
In Settimo, a municipality close to Turin, the first Unité d’Abitation has been created...
-
16 May 2011
The “wave-swallowing” dragon
Wave Dragon, that swallows waves and generates electricity is a plant...
Bio-climatic architecture
Solar energy is playing a vital role with reference to bioclimatic architecture...
-
The photovoltaic train
In Italy the PVTRAIN project by Trenitalia (co-financed by the European Union) plans...
The plant of Almeria
In the Tabernas desert, 30 km north-east of the Andalusia town of Almeria (Spain)...
-
16 May 2011
The “wave-swallowing” dragon
Wave Dragon, that swallows waves and generates electricity is a plant...
-
Bio-climatic architecture
Solar energy is playing a vital role with reference to bioclimatic architecture...
-
The photovoltaic train
In Italy the PVTRAIN project by Trenitalia (co-financed by the European Union) plans...