Replacing Nuclear Power Plants by Hydro Power Plants - a Sustainable Solution?
In consequence of the disastrous nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima, intensive debates about the future of nuclear power and its probable replacement by - most likely - renewable energy alternatives have been started world-wide. Some countries have decided to back out of the nuclear energy programme. In such countries, typically possessing distinct geomorphological structural conditions (e.g. large river systems, mountains, etc.) presently, the focus seems to tend towards hydro power to replace nuclear power in the near future [1]. With regard to climate change and the depletion of non-renewable resources, e.g. natural gas, raw oil, etc., this option could be seen as a reasonable alternative [2], [3], [4]. However, where a 'Pro' there is a 'Con'. A debate is going on in how far hydro power is indeed a sustainable alternative - sustainable in terms of economic aspects and environmental aspects. Studies predict that the potential of hydro power not large enough to replace nuclear power and a power supply gap will occur [5], [6]. It is also in question whether for instance small hydro power plants can fill the often quoted 'power supply gap' efficiently and on a local scale [7]. Other studies address the question whether nuclear power can also be seen as 'green' [8]. Rarely addressed has been the social aspect of new hydro power plants [9].
