Is hydropower sustainable? Lessons from the Alps

18.06.2021 17:33
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Autor : Alena Mendelová, Gymnázium Ivana Kupca, Komenského, Hlohovec

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The goal of the discussion in this conference was to bring hydropower as a renewable energy source closer to people. But hydropower as a renewable source of energy is not a new trend, in fact this all began in the last century. People wanted to live cleaner and more environmentally friendly lives.

In the discussion we learned more about the Alps and how people are using them to create hydro energy. They are using the energy of water that was driven from the snow fields of the High Alps or simply energy of water streaming down from the peaks. They are calling this water the “white coal” and they think that this water could bring the industrial wealth to the region.

In winter they store the water in water dams. This is historically unique. And although this also began some time ago people have already made quite some improvements, because the technology is constantly involving. So now they can produce energy over greater distances and they are also using turbines to amplify the energy and the amount of energy as well.

However, we must be careful not to overdo this source and harm the nature. It is more important than making it more efficient. There are still untouched rivers and they think it should stay that way for the future generations.