Using hydropower without harming the river ecosystemAral�k is a run-off river type hydroelectric power plant, generating energy from the running waters of Aral�k Creek, with a total installed capacity of 12.41 MW, leading to a CO2-reduction above 30,000t per year. Despite its natural potential, the Turkish electricity generation is mainly composed of thermal power plants, especially hydroelectric power plants have decreased significantly in recent years. The project uses this existing potential to meet the increasing demand for electricity. Compared with a natural gas power plant, the Project will replace consumption of about 10 million m3 of natural gas per year. With a total of 45 million kWh per year of electricity production will be met electricity needs of about 15,000 households.Run-off river plants do not have any significant storage capacity. So these types of hydroelectric power plants produce the power depending on the flow of water. During rainy seasons with a maximum flow of water in the rivers, they produce maximum power. In order to avoid impact on aquatic life in the river bed in times without rain, a minimum flow corresponding to 10% of average natural flow is guaranteed. The project has shown no negative impact on water quality, other pollutants or decrease of biodiversity.How does hydropower help fight global warming?Since hydropower is created without burning fossil fuels, it is considered emission-free. The growth of renewable energy production is essential to limiting global warming and securing energy supplies for the future. The amount of emissions saved by a hydropower project is calculated using the baseline method: how much CO2 would be released by generating the same amount of energy using standard energy production methods for the region?