What are the alternatives to hydropower?
At the present time, hydropower is the most reliable, economical, clean and renewable source of energy in Canada. Hydropower supplies approximately 60% of Canada’s total electricity production. Although wind and solar power are also clean renewable energy sources, they are intermittent sources that rely on the support of other energy sources. They are also still expensive compared to hydropower. The other alternatives, fossil fuel generated electricity and nuclear power, have their share of environmental problems. Nuclear power must, among other things, deal with the disposal of radioactive waste. The main source of electricity in North America today, that generated by fossil fuel, is one of the major contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gases (GHG), causing acid rain, urban smog, and global warming. In Canada alone, 17% of GHG emissions originate from burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil to generate electricity.
