Hydropower is the most common renewable energy source used to generate electricity. Mechanical energy is derived by directing, harnessing, or channeling moving water. The amount of available energy in moving water is determined by its flow or fall. Thus, fast moving rivers, or where water flows over large drops, causes a lot of energy to be produced. This energy is used to turn water wheels or turbines which are attached to electric generators.
Hydropower is often feted as the ideal fuel for electricity generation because it is almost free, there are no waste products, and it does not pollute the water or the air. Other advantages are that it is more reliable than wind, solar or wave powers; water can be stored above the dam ready to cope with peaks in demand. Hydro-electric power stations can increase to full power very quickly, unlike other power stations, and electricity can be generated constantly.
In mountainous countries such as Switzerland and New Zealand, hydro-electric power already provides more than half of the country's energy needs.
However, it can still adversely affect the environment. Often damming is necessary to artificially create a strong flow or large drop and these dams can damage or lead to the destructions of natural habitats of wildlife, and water quality and quantity downstream can be affected, which can have an impact on plant life. In addition, the initial costs of building hydroelectric facilities are usually very high.
Hydropower is often feted as the ideal fuel for electricity generation because it is almost free, there are no waste products, and it does not pollute the water or the air. Other advantages are that it is more reliable than wind, solar or wave powers; water can be stored above the dam ready to cope with peaks in demand. Hydro-electric power stations can increase to full power very quickly, unlike other power stations, and electricity can be generated constantly.
In mountainous countries such as Switzerland and New Zealand, hydro-electric power already provides more than half of the country's energy needs.
However, it can still adversely affect the environment. Often damming is necessary to artificially create a strong flow or large drop and these dams can damage or lead to the destructions of natural habitats of wildlife, and water quality and quantity downstream can be affected, which can have an impact on plant life. In addition, the initial costs of building hydroelectric facilities are usually very high.