Hydro energy works by building dams to trap water from sources like lakes and rivers. The water builds up behind the dam, creating pressure. When released through tunnels with turbines inside, the water's pressure turns the turbines to generate electricity. Hydro energy has zero emissions and low operating costs once dams are built, but dams are very expensive to construct and can impact local environments. It provides a more sustainable alternative to power stations that burn fossil fuels and release greenhouse gases, as seen when comparing a coal-powered station to a hydroelectric dam. The document recommends hydro energy as a better long-term energy source due to dwindling fossil fuel supplies and its lower environmental impact.

1. HYDRO ENERGYPaul Corry DT117/4

2. What we will coverFacts about Hydro EnergyHow hydro energy worksCompare Hydro energy to Burning Fuels

3. Facts about Hydro energy?Hydro energy is using water to generate energyHydro energy accounts for 20% of the worlds electricityIn countries such as New Zealand, Switzerland and other mountainous areas, over 50% of the electricity is generated by hydro energy.

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

5. Examples of Dams:Hoover dam, built 1936, Las Vegas NevadaCost $49m to construct

6. Poulaphouca dam, Wicklow Ireland, built 1930-1940

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

8. How does hydro energy work?The dam is built at a water source.The water builds up behind the dam creating a reservoir.

9. 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

10. 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 openThis water then turns turbines in the tunnels which generates the energy to power the generators above

12. 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 energyMore reliable than wind and solar powerWater can be stored to deal with demandsElectricity can be generated 24 hours a day

13. Disadvantages: Very expensive to build the dams The construction of large dams can cause flooding in fields upstreamChoosing a site can be difficultWater quality and quantity downstream can be affected, which can have an impact on plant life

14. Comparing Hydro Energy to Burning Fuels

15. MoneypointPowerstation, Co.ClareMoneypoint is the 2nd biggest power station in the Country.It accounts for approx 40% of customer demand across the countryAnd it employs around 300 peopleIt cost 1bn euro to construct

16. Output rates:Total output capacity of 915MWThese 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

17. HOWEVER!!Aside of these impressive figures, there is an ugly side to this power plant!

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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!

21. Compare this to Hydro EnergyARDNACRUSHA DAM, CO. CLARE

22. Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissions

23. Ardnacrusha Dam, Co. ClareThere are ZERO greenhouse emissionsIt originally had a high enough output to power the county of Clare when first Built.

24. 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.

25. 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

26. Which looks better?MoneypointArdnacrusha

27. Which would you chose?Limited coal, gas and oil supplies, rivers wont run out.Less emissions from hydro energy

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. Thank You!  Any Questions?