Hydropower is a green energy source.  This is because we are able to harness electrical power by converting water into electricity.

The use of hydropower dates back to ancient Greece and China when waterwheels were installed in rapidly flowing rivers to turn millstones and other equipment. Years later, this was used on other continents and right here in Trinidad & Tobago, used to power light sources at Asa Wright.

Hydroelectric plants of today still use the same basic principles as the historical waterwheel with some variations. The difference is that we use the force of the power to push the turbine which in turn powers a generator thus generating electricity.

For there to be a steady flow of power being produced, a dam has to be built to retain water. If there is a need for more power, the gates of the dam are opened so water can be released. During low water flow periods, the gates are closed. To ensure there is water at all times, some dams have recovery and pumping systems so that the water released can be reused and therefore recycled.

There are issues with the use of hydroelectricity. Some claim that it poses a problem for fish and aquatic plants on both sides of the dam. Because the flow of water has been altered, the nutrient-rich silt which helps crops grow could be affected which is exactly what happened when the Aswan Dam was completed in Egypt.

But there are ways to fix that and the bigger picture is that power produced from hydroelectric plants do not generate any emissions or waste which happens to be much better than operating a coal-fired power plant.

Hydropower can also be generated from the sea. This is also known as wave power or wave energy.  This uses changes in the air levels of sealed chambers to power turbines. When a wave rises into the chamber, the rise water pushes the air out which then turns a generator.

Once the wave goes down, air flows into the turbine and back into the chamber through doors that are then closed.  These chambers remain afloat on the ocean and how much power it produces varies. A number of wave generators are used on the western coasts of Scotland, northern Canada, southern Africa, Australia, and on the north western coasts of the United States. These systems are usually small and can power a warning buoy or a small light house.

Another form of hydropower is Tidal energy. The difference with wave energy is that when the tide approaches, the water is trapped in reservoirs behind dams. When the tide drops, the water behind the dam is released thus producing power similar to a hydroelectric power plant.

For Tidal energy to work efficiently tides need to be at least 16 feet and since there are only a few places on the planet that can do that.

Lastly, you have ocean thermal energy. Here, you get power based on the different temperatures in the water. For this to work, the difference in temperature needed to be at least 38 degrees Fahrenheit difference between the warmer surface water and the colder deep ocean water.  This is still being trailed in Japan and Hawaii.

So what makes Hydropower a green energy source?  It is safe to use once all conditions are respected, it work and it is renewable.

Could we take advantage of Hydropower in Trinidad & Tobago?

Let us have your thoughts here at the TTGBC.

Marcia Cliffin

VP PR TTGBC

Email:  vppublic@ttgbc.org