Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders (ICST) on Friday said the government should not ignore hydel power which is the cheapest source of power generation. Hydropower is fuelled by water, so it’s a clean fuel source, meaning it won’t pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, it said.
Hydroelectric power is a domestic source of energy, allowing every country and province to produce their own energy without being reliant on international fuel sources which are costly and unpredictable, said ICST Patron Shahid Rasheed Butt.
He said that the energy generated through hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it a renewable power source, making it a more reliable and affordable source than fossil fuels that are rapidly being depleted.
Butt said that hydropower needs reservoirs that offer a variety of recreational opportunities, notably fishing, swimming, and boating. Most water power installations are required to provide some public access to the reservoir to allow the public to take advantage of these opportunities, he added.
Some hydropower facilities can quickly go from zero power to maximum output which is not in the case of power generated through fossil fuel. Hydropower plants can generate power to the grid immediately; they provide essential backup power during major electricity outages or disruptions. Hydropower efforts produce a number of benefits, such as flood control, irrigation, and water supply, he concluded.
