Micro-Hydro

Micro-hydro is another term for hydro electric power. Hydro electric power is power generated from water. Micro-hydro or hydro electric power is a clean and renewable energy source that does not harm or pollute the environment. Micro-hydro could be a possible step foreword in the fight against climate change and global warming.

Micro-hydro systems and solar power can actually work well together. In the winter, when sunlight is little the water flow actually increases. A micro-hydro system can take offer and the added energy that the solar power system can’t. In the summer months the situation is reversed. Sunlight is greater and water flow less. The solar power system can offer the extra power that the micro-hydro system cannot create.

Micro-hydro power may sound like the next new thing in energy conservation, but truth be told the technology has been around for centuries. The ancient civilisations of India, Rome and china all used the power of flowing water. It was used for a multitude of purposes such as grain production and irrigation.

Micro-hydro power does offer several advantages. Micro-hydro power requires water to function. Water is renewable because rainfall refills reservoirs. Micro-hydro power also creates no pollution. No fossil fuels are burned which means that the power generated does not harm the environment. Finally, the water needed to run a hydroelectric plant is free. It is provided by nature and many times this is reflected in utility bills.

Micro-hydro power also presents some disadvantages. To make micro-hydro power work successfully lots of water and land are needed. Large dams need to be constructed requiring lots of water and space. Most of the areas appropriate for micro-hydro power are all ready taken for that purpose.

Although micro-hydro power isn’t perfect it is a step foreword. Smaller scale projects are still possible that could supply power to communities. Micro-hydro power could help in reducing carbon emissions and global warming.