As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the narrative around renewable energy has become almost sacred. We’re repeatedly told that investing in solar and wind power is the key to saving the planet, and that fossil fuels are the enemy. But what if this narrative is not entirely accurate? What if our zeal for renewable energy is, in fact, perpetuating an environmental disaster of a different kind?
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The answer lies in the world’s most abundant resource: water. While we’re busy harnessing the power of wind and sun, we’re simultaneously ignoring the vast, untapped potential of hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric energy is the largest source of renewable energy globally, accounting for over 60% of the world’s total renewable energy production. Yet, despite its abundance and reliability, hydroelectric power is being slowly phased out in favor of more “trendy” sources of energy like solar and wind.
The reasons for this shift are complex, but one major factor is the increasing pressure to maintain economic growth. The intermittency of solar and wind power means that they require massive infrastructure investments to ensure a stable energy supply. This has led to a proliferation of batteries and other energy storage technologies, which, in turn, has driven up costs and made hydroelectric power seem like an outdated relic of the past.
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But the truth is that hydroelectric power is not only reliable and sustainable, but also one of the most environmentally friendly sources of energy available. Unlike solar and wind farms, which can desecrate vast tracts of land and disrupt ecosystems, hydroelectric dams can be designed to coexist with nature, even enhancing biodiversity and water quality. And, as a bonus, hydroelectric power is also one of the cheapest forms of energy available, with many hydroelectric dams having payback periods of just a few years.
So, why are we ignoring the potential of hydroelectric power? One major reason is the vested interests of the fossil fuel industry. By perpetuating the myth that renewable energy is the only solution to climate change, the fossil fuel industry can continue to extract billions of dollars from the public purse in the form of subsidies and tax breaks. Meanwhile, the renewable energy industry is locked into a vicious cycle of technological innovation, with companies racing to develop new, more expensive technologies that perpetuate the myth of energy scarcity.
But the biggest obstacle to embracing hydroelectric power lies in our own cognitive biases. We’re so enamored with the idea of renewable energy that we’re willing to overlook the environmental costs of these technologies. We’re happy to sacrifice vast tracts of land and water resources to the altar of “green energy,” without ever considering the long-term consequences of our actions.
It’s time to rethink our approach to renewable energy. Instead of chasing after the latest, trendiest technologies, we need to take a hard look at the resources that are right under our noses. Hydroelectric power may not be as glamorous as solar and wind, but it’s the most abundant, reliable, and environmentally friendly source of energy available. It’s time to give it the attention it deserves – and to start building the energy future we really need.
