Hydroelectricity:

It is an interesting thing that the words "Hydro" and "Electricity" are as connected in the language, but large scale generation of electricity from water retained behind a dam has been a major source of power in many countries. The first recorded use of hydro power was in 1878 in England, and in 1881, the Ottawa Electric Light Company installed generating capability at Chaudières Falls on the Ottawa River. Today, hydroelectric power, typically VERY big dams on large rivers holding back water and then releasing it though turbines at the base of the dam provide baseload in many countries. There are about 40 such dams worldwide that each produce in excess of 3,000 Megawatts of power.

1. Once operational, hydroelectric is probably one of the most climate friendly power sources, unless ....

2. These massive projects typically impact indigenous or marginalized peoples and wildlife.

3. Fish in particular can be affected, particularly species such a salmon.

4. Loss of forest and agricultural land can be problematic.

5. Construction of massive resevoirs in areas prone to seismic acivity can be risky in the extreme.

6. Time from project start to first power, and project costs can be massive.

7. Is bigger really better?.