2. Hydroelectric power, or
hydroelectricity, is electrical power
that is generated through the kinetic
energy of flowing water.
About 20% of the world's electrical
energy requirement is fulfilled by
hydroelectric power. It is the most
widely implemented renewable
energy generation technology, with
the highest market share in the world.
3. The dam, lake or reservoir stores
water
The water goes through the
Penstock to the turbines
The turbine (propelled by the
force of the water being carried in)
turns the generator to produce the
electricity
This electricity is then sent
through power lines
4. Electricity produced through the
hydroelectric energy generation method
is produced without any pollution or
harmful environmental effects. Neither
are any dangerous greenhouse gases
emitted.
Hydroelectric power plants generate
renewable energy. This means that the
source of the energy won't run out
anytime soon. Since running water,
unlike fossil fuels, will always remain a
constant, hydroelectric energy has no
expiry date.
5. Hydroelectric energy plants alter the
environment in their surroundings to a
great extent. River ecosystems are
based on the continual flow of water.
The backwaters from reservoirs
severely change the conditions, turning
it into a swampy, lake biome.
The flood from the backwater also
forces human settlements, sometimes
several villages, to relocate.
6. Grand Coulee Dam, located in
Washington State
Chief Joseph Dam, located in
Washington State
Robert Moses Niagara
Hydroelectric Power Station,
New York
Bath County Pumped Storage
Station, Virginia
Hoover Dam, between Arizona
and Nevada
The Dalles Dam, Oregon
