The impact of hydroelectric power plant on the environment is varied and depends upon the size and type of the project. Although hydropower generation does not burn any fuel to produce power and hence does not emit greenhouse gases, there are definite negative effects that arise from the creation of reservoir and alteration of natural water flow. It is a fact that dams, inter-basin transfers and diversion of water for irrigation purposes have resulted in the fragmentation of 60% of the world’s rivers. The physical environment is affected rather significantly by the construction of a hydroelectric power station.

Land Use

The size of the reservoir created by a hydroelectric project can vary widely, depending largely on the size of the hydroelectric generators and the topography of the land. Hydroelectric plants in flat areas tend to require much more land than those in hilly areas or canyons where deeper reservoirs can hold more volume of water in a smaller space.

Wildlife Impacts

Dammed reservoirs are used for multiple purposes, such as agricultural irrigation, flood control, and recreation, so not all wildlife impacts associated with dams can be directly attributed to hydroelectric power. However, hydroelectric facilities can still have a major impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Life-cycle Global Warming Emissions

Global warming emissions are produced during the installation and dismantling of hydroelectric power plants,