What are the advantages to hydropower?

Hydropower offers several advantages over other energy sources. These key advantages include the following:

• Fueled by water, so it's a clean fuel source.
• Doesn't pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. Emits no harmful atmospheric emissions or greenhouse gases.
• Is a domestic source of energy, produced in the United States.
• Relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, thus it's a renewable & reliable power source.
• Is generally available as needed; engineers can control the flow of water through the turbines to produce electricity on demand.
• A source that provide recreation benefits, flood control, irrigation & navigation, in addition to clean electricity.
• Relatively low operations and maintenance costs
• Technology is reliable: proven over time.

Research by Theresa Pipher