HYDRO.
Learn about the benefits and applications of hydro-electric energy in our rapidly changing world.
Solar Energy
What is hydro-electric energy?
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy, which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity. Hydropower systems can serve many benefits in your community, from flood control, conserving water, generating electricity, keeping temperatures cool, and irrigation, hydropower has a wave of benefits most homeowners aren’t taking advantage of.
Benefits of Hydro
Why should you go hydro?
Stability
Hydroelectric power plants typically have long lifespans and require relatively low maintenance compared to other energy sources. Once constructed, they can reliably generate electricity for decades, providing a stable and long-term energy solution. This not only ensures that the price you pay for this kind of electricity will remain stable over long periods of time, but it also means that you don't have to worry about your electricty randomly shutting off.
Community
Hydropower provides benefits beyond electricity generation by providing flood control, irrigation support, and clean drinking water. Hydroelectric systems clean up natural occurring bodies of water, restoring previously destroyed water areas. Because hydropower plants can generate power to the grid immediately, they provide essential backup power during major electricity outages or disruptions.
Environmental
The energy generated through hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it renewable and clean, saving thousands of tons of CO2 every year. Furthermore, a hydropower plant does not take water away from the environment. That’s because whatever is removed is completely given back over time: its water footprint is therefore low.
Economic Benefits
Hydroelectric projects can create jobs during the construction phase and support local economies in areas where they are located. Additionally, the energy generated can contribute to energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels, thus providing economic benefits at both local and national levels.
Pricing and Tax
It's a bit pricy.
Although hydroelectric systems are costly upfront, a community of people can easily raise enough money to fund the money used to build a hydroelectric system. Here is some basic information on the costs of hydroelectric power systems.
- The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 provides communities who have a hydroelectric system a near 5% deduction on their monthly electricity bill depending on the kilowatts produced by said system. So not only are you receiving energy from a clean, sustainable, and reliable system, but you also get bill reductions alongside of it too.
- The federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a corporate tax incentive that allows for owners of qualified new hydroelectric systems to receive tax credits worth 30% the value of the facility.
- Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) allow qualified state, tribal, and local government issuers to borrow money to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy Projects in water energy rich states.
- Contacting your local government and starting a movement to begin constructing hydroelectric systems in your community is extremely easy. By simply sending a letter to your legislative branch or the US Department of Energy, you can convince your local area to begin construction of a Hydroelectric system, benefiting everyone in the community.
Providers
Let's get started.
EMRGY
Emrgy is one of the leading companies invested in hydro-tech and helping water-based communities achieve green energy living. Using innovative hardware and software technology, Emrgy delivers efficient low-cost renewable power generation within water infrastructure to promote using clean, environmentally friendly energy sources.
General Electric
GE Vernova is a reliable, affordable, and sustainable ocean energy company. They manage great projects available to communities while helping out customers empower their communities and deliver the electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life.
Natel
Natel innovates fish-safe microhydro machinery designed to take advantage of the full extent of the ocean's massive energy potential. With cheap efficient options, Natel is one of the leading companies achieving affordable micro hydro tech while also promoting ocean-life safe technology.