Hydro-power-strategic position of electricity generation in the competitive market

摘要

In Germany, hydro-power still ranks first among renewable sources of energy, even though, due to subsidies, the importance of wind power has significantly increased in the past years and will grow even further in the future. Due to high investment costs and lacking profitability, the construction of larger hydro-power stations in Germany can be excluded under current circumstances. This applies to both running water power stations and peak load power stations. However, those power stations which are already under construction will be completed. In view of the undisputed ecological advantages of water power, such as protection of natural resources and reduction of CO{sub}2 emissions, among others, the support and promotion of especially larger hydro-power stations should become an appropriate necessity.