Difference between Thermal Power and Hydel Power
The thermal power is produced by burning coal, petroleum or natural gas in thermal generator. But Hydro-electricity or hydel power is derived from the force of running water by means of dynamo driven by hydro-turbine.
The major points of differences between Thermal Power and Hydel power are discussed below.
- In terms of initial cost of thermal power generating plants are much cheaper, but their maintenance costs are high and need more labor. Thus it is costly. But in Hydel Power, the initial cost of generating hydro-electric power is more costly but their maintenance costs are low and need much less labor. Thus it is comparatively much cheaper.
- The generation of thermal power produces air pollution and dust pollution. Waste materials are detrimental to land and environment. But Hydro-electric power is a clean source of energy. It creates almost no pollution or waste materials which are detrimental to the environment.
- The sources of thermal power are non-renewable resources. So, they are completely exhausted after use and cannot be renewed. But Hydel power is a flow resource. It is not exhausted after uses.
- Nearly 80 per cent of the world’s total production of power comes from thermal electricity. But the world’s total power production, less than 20 per cent of our requirements come from hydro-electricity.
- The involvement of technical skill and knowledge are comparatively less in generating thermal power plant. The installations of hydel power plants require supreme technical skills and knowledge.