HYDRO ENERGYPaul Corry DT117/4

What we will coverFacts about Hydro Energy

How hydro energy works

Compare Hydro energy to Burning Fuels

Facts about Hydro energy?Hydro energy is using water to generate

energy

Hydro energy accounts for 20% of the worlds electricity

In countries such as New Zealand, Switzerland and other mountainous areas, over 50% of the electricity is generated by hydro energy.

How does it work?A dam is built to trap water where a source exists such as a lake or river in a valley

Examples of Dams:

Hoover dam, built 1936, Las Vegas Nevada

Cost $49m to construct

Poulaphouca dam, Wicklow Ireland, built 1930-1940

How does hydro energy work?The dam is built at a water source.

How does hydro energy work?The dam is built at a water source.

The water builds up behind the dam creating a reservoir.

How does hydro energy work?The dam is built at a water source.

The water builds up behind the dam creating a reservoir.

The water then reaches a level where it can run through tunnels in the dam

The water then powers through tunnels in the dam which have turbines inside them.

Because of the pressure that the large water content builds up behind the wall, it powers through the tunnels when open

This water then turns turbines in the tunnels which generates the energy to power the generators above

Advantages:Once the dam is built, it is virtually free to

generate the energy.

No waste or pollution created by it compared to burning fuel or nuclear energy

More reliable than wind and solar power

Water can be stored to deal with demands

Electricity can be generated 24 hours a day

Disadvantages:Very expensive to build the dams

The construction of large dams can cause flooding in fields upstream

Choosing a site can be difficult

Water quality and quantity downstream can be affected, which can have an impact on plant life

Comparing Hydro Energy to Burning Fuels

Moneypoint Powerstation, Co.ClareMoneypoint is the 2nd

biggest power station in the Country.

It accounts for approx 40% of customer demand across the country

And it employs around 300 people

It cost 1bn euro to construct

Output rates:Total output capacity of 915MW

These are delivered by 3 x 305MW steam-generating boiler plants

There is a new 368m euro renovation been carried out currently to help lower its emission levels

HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an

ugly side to this power plant!

HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an

ugly side to this power plant!Figures from the EPA show that the emission

levels between 2003 & 2005 were 16.8 million tonnes of Co2.

HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an

ugly side to this power plant!Figures from the EPA show that the emission

levels between 2003 & 2205 were 16.8 million tonnes of Co2.

It consumes 2 million tonnes of coal each year

HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an

ugly side to this power plant!Figures from the EPA show that the emission

levels between 2003 & 2205 were 16.8 million tonnes of Co2.

It consumes 2 million tonnes of coal each yearAnd a Sunday Independent study revealed that

the emissions for the station will cause approx. €1bn worth of environmental damage!

Compare this to Hydro Energy

ARDNACRUSHA DAM, CO. CLARE

Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissions

Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissionsIt originally had a high enough output to

power the county of Clare when first Built.

Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissionsIt originally had a high enough output to

power the county of Clare when first Built.It now accounts for 2-3% of ESB’s energy

requirements.

Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissionsIt originally had a high enough output to

power the county of Clare when first Built.It now accounts for 2-3% of ESB’s energy

requirements.THE COST OF THE FUEL IS NOTHING!!!

Cost of construction was a little over 5m pound back in the 1920’s

Which looks better?Moneypoint Ardnacrusha

Which would you chose?Limited coal, gas and oil supplies, rivers wont

run out.

Less emissions from hydro energy

Conclusion:With our growing dependence on natural

resources such as coal, gas and oil, and these in short supply, we must look elsewhere for an energy source.

Conclusion:With our growing dependence on natural

resources such as coal, gas and oil, and these in short supply, we must look elsewhere for an energy source.

After my research, I would recommend that Hydro Energy is far more economical and easier on the environment than using fuel such as coal or oil.

Thank You! Any Questions?