An Overview of the Hydroelectric Power of Finland and Sweden

"Finland and Sweden get hydroelectric power from tectonic activity, such as earthquakes."

a. True

b. False

Answer: b. False

Explanation: 

Finland and Sweden do not get their hydroelectric power from tectonic activity, such as earthquakes. In fact, hydroelectric power is generated by harnessing the power of falling water. This is usually accomplished by building dams that create reservoirs of stored water and then releasing the water through turbines to generate electricity. Tectonic activity, such as earthquakes, do not have any impact on the production of hydroelectric power.

Hydropower provides almost 39.8% electricity in Sweden. On the contrary, Finland generates only 23% electricity by this process.

The Harsprånget hydroelectric power plant on the Lule River is the biggest in Sweden in terms of effect, located 30 kilometers north of the Sami town of Jokkmokk. 

The other plants on the Lule River have together produce 16% of Sweden’s electricity needs. The construction of Harsprånget began in 1920. It has a total effect of 970 MW, generates 2 TWh per year.

A Brief Overview of Tectonic Activity

Tectonic activity is the movement of the Earth's crust due to the forces of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is the study of the Earth's lithosphere, the outermost layer of the Earth's crust, which is composed of several large plates that move and interact with each other. These plates are constantly shifting, creating earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, and other geological features.

Tectonic activity occurs along plate boundaries, where two plates collide, diverge, or slip past each other. These boundaries can be oceanic or continental, and can form at different speeds. The speed at which tectonic activity occurs is determined by the nature of the plates involved and the type of boundary formed.

Hydroelectricity in the Other Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries are a region in Northern Europe consisting of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as their associated territories. This region is characterized by its unique culture, language, and customs, and is widely considered to be one of the happiest places on earth.

Norway: In Norway, hydropower is by far the most important source of electricity, accounting for 90% of the country’s total electricity generation. Norway's largest hydroelectric power plant, the Blåsjø, which generates enough electricity to power nearly 7.8 TWh. 

Iceland: Iceland has a limited hydroelectric power capacity, with only about 72.6% of its electricity being produced from hydroelectric power. Iceland also relies on geothermal energy for its electricity production. 

Denmark: Denmark produces only a small amount of hydroelectric power, and relies instead on wind power for most of its renewable energy production. Denmark is also looking into utilizing wave and tidal energy sources.

The Pros of Using Hydroelectric Power:

1. Renewable: Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source, meaning it’s not going to run out. Unlike non-renewable energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas, hydroelectricity can be generated indefinitely, making it a sustainable energy source.

2. Clean: Hydroelectric power is a clean source of energy. It does not produce any pollutants, such as carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, which can contribute to global warming. This makes it an attractive alternative to traditional energy sources that do produce pollutants.

3. Low Operating Costs: Hydroelectric power has a low operating cost, as the cost of generating electricity is fixed, regardless of the amount of electricity generated. This makes it an attractive option for many power companies, who can benefit from the low cost of generating electricity.

The Cons of Using Hydroelectric Power:

1. Environmental Impact: Hydroelectric power has the potential to cause environmental damage. The construction of dams and other hydroelectric projects can disrupt the natural flow of rivers, which can have a huge impact on the local environment and wildlife.

2. High Initial Costs: Hydroelectric power requires a large initial investment in order to construct the necessary dams and other infrastructure. This can make it expensive and not feasible for some locations.

3. Not Always Available: Hydroelectric power is not always available, as it is dependent on the availability of water. In times of drought, the amount of electricity generated by hydroelectric power plants can be greatly reduced.

In conclusion, hydroelectric power is a clean and renewable energy source that has the potential to provide a sustainable energy source for many years to come. However, it does come with some drawbacks, such as the potential for environmental damage, high initial costs, and the fact that it is not always available. Despite these drawbacks, hydroelectric power remains a popular source of energy in many locations around the world.