Sustainability

Energy

Hydroelectric

Visual impact and acoustic pollution

With reference to the visual impact of large hydroelectric plants, they are difficult to hide and quite eye-catching. This is why it is necessary to carry out a careful assessment of the plant on the territory, by also making an aesthetical assessment. Any element in a plant (bars, intakes, power plant, restoration works, electrical substation) can determine a change in the site visual impact. In order to reduce the impact, some elements can be disguised with the vegetation; it is possible to use colours that better integrate with the landscape and build a part of the installations underground (i.e. the power plant). Acoustic pollution Acoustic pollution provoked by a power plant is usually generated by turbines and turn multiplication mechanisms. At present the noise can be reduced up to 70 decibels inside the power plant, to imperceptibles levels from the outside. For example in Fiskbey 1 power plant in Norrkoping, Sweden, there is a maximum internal noise of 80 decibels and 40 decibels outside, at 100 m distance. This is a totally acceptable value. Noise is therefore easy to sort out.