Introduction
Access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy is essential for any community to thrive and grow. However, many rural areas across the world still suffer from limited or inconsistent access to clean energy sources such as electricity. With the increasing demand for energy to power economic development, reliable electricity access has become extremely important in rural development. Hydroelectric power has emerged as one of the most promising sources of clean and renewable energy in facilitating rural development across the world. In this article, we will explore how hydroelectric power supports rural development.
What is Hydroelectric Power?
Hydroelectric power is generated by using the energy of falling water to turn turbines that produce electricity. It is one of the oldest and most established forms of renewable energy in the world. Hydroelectric power plants are typically situated near natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Power from hydroelectric plants is generally seen as reliable, sustainable and clean because it doesn’t produce any carbon emissions, air pollutants, or waste during its operation.
How Does Hydroelectric Power Support Rural Development?
Hydroelectric power plays an important role in supporting rural development in several ways:
1. Improved Access to Electricity
Hydroelectric power plants provide a reliable and consistent supply of electricity in communities where previously there was limited or no access to electricity. This has greatly improved living standards and helped to foster economic development in rural areas. For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, only 43% of the population has access to electricity, mostly concentrated in urban areas. Hydroelectric power is being harnessed in rural areas to improve access to electricity, promote entrepreneurship, and support agricultural activities.
2. Increased Employment
Hydroelectric power plants typically require a large workforce to operate and maintain, providing opportunities for local communities to earn an income. This can help to reduce poverty and increase the standard of living for rural populations. Besides, it also creates new job opportunities for people in related fields, such as technicians and engineers.
3. Facilitates Industrialisation
Access to reliable electricity supply is an essential requirement for the development of industries and factories in rural areas. Hydroelectric power can serve as the backbone of the rural industrialisation process by providing a reliable power supply for factories and other industrial establishments.
4. Stimulates Tourism
Hydroelectric power plants located near water bodies such as waterfalls, rivers, and lakes create scenic spots that can attract tourists. Such recreational facilities associated with hydroelectric power plants can help to boost local economies and provide employment opportunities for people in rural areas.
5. Supports Agriculture
Apart from electricity generation, hydroelectric power plants can also provide irrigation for crops in rural areas. This is important because smallholder farmers require consistent water supply to plants and harvest crops. With the help of hydroelectric power, farmers can irrigate their crops consistently, resulting in better crop yields, higher crop quality, and profitability.
Conclusion
Hydroelectric power has become a valuable tool in promoting rural development worldwide. By providing access to reliable and sustainable energy, hydroelectric power can help to improve the standard of living for rural populations while also promoting economic growth. Governments and private sector players should invest in hydroelectric power to promote rural electrification, stimulate industrialisation, provide employment, and support agriculture. Hydroelectric power should be integrated into rural development strategies to achieve sustainable development goals in rural areas.