Hydropower: Past, Present, and Future

What is the significance of the Sardar Sarovar dam in India?

• It produces the most electricity in India.

• It was inaugurated alongside the world's tallest statue.

• It is the largest dam in the world.

• It is the oldest dam in India.

Which type of hydropower system acts as a large battery to counter solar and wind intermittency?

• Geothermal

• River diversion

• Pumped storage

• Traditional dam

What is a major environmental concern associated with dam construction?

• Decline of freshwater ecosystems

• Increased air pollution

• Increased soil erosion

• Deforestation

Why are some hydropower projects considered worse for the climate than coal plants?

• They emit more carbon dioxide.

• They require more land.

• They release methane from submerged trees.

• They use more water.

What is driving the renewed interest in hydropower despite its issues?

• Its low cost

• The climate crisis

• Technological advancements

• Government subsidies

Which regions are most mega hydropower projects planned?

• Middle East and Central Asia

• Australia and New Zealand

• North America and Europe

• Africa and South America

What is one proposed method to increase hydropower capacity without building new dams?

• Increasing fossil fuel usage

• Retrofitting existing non-powered dams

• Expanding nuclear power

• Building more coal plants

How can existing hydropower systems be used to store renewable energy?

• By increasing dam height

• By using more turbines

• By integrating floating solar panels

• By expanding reservoir size

What is a key factor in ensuring equitable development in hydropower projects?

• Government control

• International funding

• Community involvement

• Private investment

What is the potential increase in global hydropower capacity without new facilities?

• 20%

• 15%

• 9%

• 5%