FAQ

How far does hydropower go back?

The first uses of hydropower date back about 5000 year, when in Mesopotamia the first water wheels where built for irrigation purposes . The Romans used it primarily to power their mills. It also became a significant resource and contributor to the beginning of the industrial age, although it was later supplanted first by coal and oil, and eventually by nuclear power. Today, it is making a comeback as one of the most important and reliable sources of renewable energy.

What are the advantages of hydropower?

Hydropower uses a mature and proven technology with an outstanding long-term record. The average efficiency is higher than 90%, significantly better than other renewable energies as well as nuclear power.

Hydropower doesn't consume any natural resources. It contributes reliably to base load as well as peaking power and can be used to store energy. Its long life and low maintenance requirements make it particularly attractive for projects in third world countries.

Is hydropower expensive?

The specific cost for a complete hydropower plant, including civil works, may vary between 1000 €/kW and more than 6000 €/kW (small facilities). Many parameters may affect these values, among which some of the most important ones are the load factor and the ratio L/H of the length of the waterways over the head.

A hydropower plant requires a significant initial investment which usually exceeds that of an equivalent thermal plant. This is however compensated by the exceptionally long life of such facilities and their low operational costs. The latter usually amounts to less than 1 % of the investment per year. Over the years, hydropower is the cheapest source of energy.

What are the requirements for building a hydropower plant?

The construction of a hydropower plant is generally subject to a number of permits, licenses and authorizations. The environmental assessment, which carefully investigates the impact on man and nature and which may, where necessary, include mitigation measures, is one of the key elements of this process. In addition to the compliance with local laws and regulations, many institutions also require compliance with standards developed by the World Bank. These too emphasize safety and environmental protection.

Are there environmental consequences?

The construction as well as the operation of hydropower plant must always be carried out with due regards for protecting the water resource and environment. A careful, thorough planning and design phase which addresses issues pertaining to sedimentation, fisheries and water quality is essential. Mistakes of the past are easily avoided by carrying out a responsible conceptual design phase upfront.

What is the future of hydropower?

Today we only use 17.6% of the technically usuable hydropower potential. The economically feasible potential (8098 TWh/year) is currently tapped to 33.8%. There remains a considerable potential for expanding its use and development before it becomes our no. 1 source of energy.

Hydro can power the world!

There is no need for fossile and nuclear power plants.

This is the future.