As the country continues to explore renewable sources of energy, it’s a no-brainer to explore a resource that surrounds our archipelago: water.
Mindanao already boasts of two hydrogen power plant complexes: the Agus Power Plant in Lanao Del Sur and Lanao Del Norte, powered by water coming from Lake Lanao and Maria Cristina Falls, and- the Pulangi Power Plant in Bukidnon. More hydropower plants are slated to be built in Mindanao with a recent deal signed with French power company Energy de France and another project funded by the Development Bank of the Philippines.
We’ve only scratched the surface of hydropower’s potential. Can water be the future of sustainable energy in Mindanao?
What Is Hydropower?
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is energy generated from a large and powerful flow of water. This is usually achieved through a waterfall or a large water reservoir where flow is regulated. A strong flow of water can rotate the blades of a turbine, which then generates electric energy.
Benefits Of Hydropower
1. Renewable And Reliable
There’s a reason that hydropower represents 71 percent of all renewable energy in the world. The earth is still mostly made up of water, which makes it an abundant resource. Thanks to the water cycle, it is also regularly replenished, with the rainy season always making up for the dry season.
So, as long as there is water and it is harnessed properly, there will always be hydroelectric power. It is a predictable, consistent, and reliable resource. When controlled properly within a hydroelectric power plant, then it can become a very stable source of electricity.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint
Compared to fossil fuels, hydroelectricity emits very low levels of carbon into the atmosphere. A coal-fired power plant, for instance, emits more than 10 times the greenhouse gases that a typical hydroelectric facility does.
While power generation through hydroelectricity still produces carbon emissions, the harm it causes to our atmosphere is still exponentially smaller. That exponential effect matters in our fight against climate change.
3. High Energy Efficiency
Among the most commonly used renewable energy sources, hydroelectric power has one of the highest energy efficiencies. This means that it takes relatively little time and resources to generate ample power from water compared to other energy sources.
Some of the world’s best hydroelectric power plants can convert 90% of available energy into electricity. That is extremely high, considering that solar power has a 36% energy efficiency, while coal fire plants can only be 40% energy efficient.
4. Low Operating Costs
Because it relies on a resource that is always in large supply and readily available, a hydroelectric power plant comes with lower operating costs compared to standard coal fire plants.
Challenges With Hydroelectric Power
All these great benefits beg the question: why don’t we just convert all our power plants into hydroelectric ones? The truth is that there are still many challenges when it comes to pivoting to this renewable source of energy.
1. High Initial Investment
To harness the energy potential of water effectively, you need vast amounts of real estate. Hydroelectric power plants need water dams that stretch entire cities and these are very expensive to build.
2. Long Construction Time
Constructing a hydroelectric power plant is a very complex task that requires a lot of time and expertise. It’s not enough that you are surrounded by water. Other factors should be considered and leveraged properly, such as good vertical distance between the reservoir and outtake.
3. Safety Concerns
Unlike other power plants using renewable sources of energy, hydroelectric facilities cannot afford major damages. Wind or solar power generation can malfunction and would not cause any harm. Water dams, on the other hand, can cause immense flooding if not regulated or properly taken care of.
Hope Springs Eternal
Despite the challenges, hydroelectric power holds a lot of promise in a future where we aim to embrace renewable sources of energy. Hydropower deserves a place in our energy mix, especially as an archipelago, where water is as infinite a resource as our ingenuity. With investments already in motion and projects already in full swing, the future of hydroelectricity in Mindanao looks bright.
