Hydroelectric 'best solution' for sustainable energy

When it comes to sustainable energy supplies hydroelectric plants are usually the best solution, according to researchers who have reviewed the economic, social and environmental impact of fuel provision.

Dr Giorgio Locatelli, from Lincoln University, and Mauro Mancini, of Milan Polytechnic, are leading the research which provides a unique evaluation of all sustainability factors in the power plant industry.

Most recent literature is focused on the issue of power plants based on economic factors, but environmental and social considerations are moving higher up the agenda.

Dr Locatelli said: “Public acceptance is of major importance when it comes to deciding energy choices for the future and investors must take this into account.”

The team considered various factors including risk of severe accidents, security of fuel supply, volatility of fuel price, environmental aspects and public acceptance.

Environmental and social considerations are moving higher up the agenda

When all these were taken into account, hydroelectric plants came out as the best solution with oil plants being the worst choices.

Dr Locatelli said: “Hydropower provides a negligible amount of pollution, so is not affected by fuel concerns and is typically well accepted. However, there is a shortage of new locations for the construction of large hydroelectric plants in Europe so other options are necessary.

“The nuclear plant is, however, a good alternative even if it does suffer from social acceptability in many countries. Nuclear energy has an extremely low environmental impact and low impact of risk in the fuel supply.”

In all scenarios oil-fired plants are the worst choice, claim the research team, as these plants from fuel concerns as well as high environmental impact.

Further study will include a better quantification of public acceptability and how it may be possible to increase the social acceptability for new nuclear power plants.