Energy resources hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power - [RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES] (Vol 21) -as fuel resource [FUEL RESOURCES] (Vol 12)... 

The committee did not consider hydroelectric power explicitly except as part of the electricity grid mix. The remaining renewable energy resources—except wind, solar, and biomass—were not considered owing to their current small fraction of total primary energy supply or small projected growth. 

Consider the total amounts possible for each in the light of the 14-20 TW of carbon free power needed by 2050. Table 5 provides a summary 26 clearly the additional energy needed per year over the 12.8 TW fossil fuel energy base is simply not attainable from biomass, wind, nuclear and hydroelectric options. The answer to this supply dilemma must lie with solar energy. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the solar energy resource with particular emphasis on the solar spectrum. 

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources - This committee has jurisdiction on coal production, distribution and utilization energy policy energy research, conservation, and development hydroelectric power irrigation mineral conservation nonmilitary development of nuclear energy solar energy systems and over territorial possessions, including trusteeships of the United States. 

Aluminum metal can be produced either from bauxite ore or from recychng aluminum scrap. Electrowinning of aluminum ore is sufficiently expensive that the secondary production industry commands much of the market. Electrowinning aluminum from alumina is a highly energy-intensive process, which is why the world s major primary aluminum smelters are located in areas that have access to low-cost energy and abundant power resources (e.g., hydroelectric, natural gas, coal or nuclear), while secondary producers tend to be located near industrial centers, where aluminum scrap is largely available. 

Hydroelectric power plants are important sources of renewable energy. Producing the electricity generated by these plants does not result in significant levels of pollution. It also does not consume resources that take centuries to replenish, does not require labor-intensive or costly processes, and does not damj e the environment. 

It is generally accepted that fossil energy resources are limited, although it is a matter of debate as to how much is left (Table 5.1.9). Energy demand is rising worldwide, especially in countries undergoing economic booms like India and China. The future will show whether nuclear power will be abandoned in some countries or its share will increase as, at present, only hydroelectricity and nuclear power are the only significant alternatives to fossil fuels. 

Hydroelectricity, at present the most important of the clean, econonucally feasible, renewable energy options, can benefit from a water resources development project however, that is seldom the only benefit. It is clear, therefore, that hydro-power has an important role to play in the future, both in terms of energy supply and water resources development. 

C02 levels and the depletion of finite resources. Alternatives such as hydroelectric and solar power energy should be considered if man is to live in a truly sustainable society. The necessary tools and insights will be developed in Part IV. 

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