General Discussions

[kruddler]

I declare my ignorance on this subject, straight up, so the following may seem naive.

From my limited (very) knowledge on this it seems just about any electricity source brings with it it's own unique problems.

I've watched docos that are pro nuclear and others than are anti nuclear (attempting to educate myself. Ditto windfarms, solar and even tidal things!).

Seems that economics play a large and controlling role in all this... quick fixes with quick and continued financial returns (on corporate investment) seem to be big drivers.

Hydroelectric power has strong pros re emissions but even the large dams needed are problematic - setup costs, environmental impact, local community impact, climate vulnerabilities and even methane gas releases over time. But having lived in areas with a predominant hydroelectric power generation the improved air quality was palpable, though there may well have been other factors contributing to this ie, NZ, which has better than 50% hydro usage, is also small with plenty of wind to remove pollution... though some (polluted air) is blowing in now from other countries. I think that Tassies hydroelectric power accounts for more than three quarters of the states power and boy, the air quality there is noticeably cleaner.

We live in West Gippsland and even an hours drive to the city (Melb) delivers a difference in air quality that is noticeable.

Although perhaps very anecdotal, when I was at Franganstan High (1400 students) back in the late 60s/early 70s, students with asthma were an oddity, in fact you could have counted them on your own fingers! Now, apparently, almost 33% of young folks have asthma issues from mild, occasional... to chronic. 

For "limited knowledge" you seen to be all over it.
Nothing is perfect.
Hydro electric is a great source of power with minimal environmental downsides compared to fossil fuels.
On small scales, it works wonders.

It's scaling these type of projects up to cover the required amount of power, in the required amount of spots that makes things start to be less attractive.

Fun fact....we, earth, is running out of sand.
We are consuming it (concrete) quicker than the earth can make it...and by a large scale.

When to you look at doing things on a global scale, all new sorts of problems come up.

Thats the issue with lithium batteries.
Standalone, they are a marvellous creation.
Put multiple in every car, house, tool, electronic  device....and use them like giant power storage facilities (taking over coal plants for example) and all of a sudden they are not so great. Then look at the life cycle of them, and the waste created, and they are terrible on a global scale.