6.9 Hydroelectric Power

Hydropower is energy that comes from a turbine that produces energy from the movement of bodies of water.

There are two ways to generate hydroelectric power: dams and tidal waves. 

Image Courtesy of AZoM

How it works 🌊

Dams are built on rivers where the terrain will produce an artificial lake or reservoir.  

As the water is released from the reservoir, it flows through a pipe and falls to a lower elevation, which generates kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is used to turn a turbine, which generates electricity. The electricity is then sent to a generator, where it is converted into an electrical current that can be used to power homes, businesses, and other buildings.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Important Dams to Know

1. Hoover Dam ➱ provides flood control, water and irrigation for industrial and domestic use as well as hydroelectric power
2. Grand Coulee ➱ Largest hydropower producer in the USA
3. Three Gorges Dam ➱ Controls flood and provides power. Causing landslides and erosion of reservoirs downstream Watch: Environmental Science