HYDROPOWER: ENERGY FROM WATER
What is Hydropower?
Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, is a
method of generating electricity using moving water.
It is a renewable energy source because it relies on
the natural water cycle, including rainfall and river
flow. Since water keeps flowing, hydropower can
produce electricity continuously without running out.
Unlike fossil fuels, hydropower does not release
harmful gases into the air, making it a clean and
environmentally friendly source of energy. It has been
used for centuries, starting with ancient water
wheels, and today, it supplies about 16% of the
world's electricity.
2️ How Does Hydropower Work?
Hydropower plants use the force of moving water to
generate electricity. Here’s the process:
1️ Water Storage – Water is collected in a reservoir
behind a dam or flows directly from a river.
2️ Water Release – The water is released and moves
rapidly through tunnels called penstocks.
3 ️Turbine Spinning – The force of the moving water
spins large machines called turbines.
4 ️Electricity Generation – The turbines are connected
to generators, which convert the movement into
electricity.
5️ Power Transmission – The generated electricity
travels through power lines to homes, schools, and
businesses.
Example: The Hoover Dam in the USA generates
electricity using this method.
3 Types of Hydropower Plants
1. Storage Hydropower (Dams)
Uses a large dam to store water in a reservoir.
●Water is released when electricity is needed,
providing control over power generation.
●Example: Three Gorges Dam in China (the largest
in the world).
2. Run-of-River Hydropower
●Uses the natural flow of a river without large
dams.
●Less impact on the environment but depends on
river flow.
●Example: Niagara Falls Hydropower Plant
(USA/Canada).
3. Pumped-Storage Hydropower
●Acts like a giant battery by pumping water to a
higher reservoir when electricity demand is low.
●When demand is high, the water is released to
generate electricity.
●Example: Bath County Pumped Storage Station
(USA).
4 Advantages of Hydropower
Renewable and Sustainable: Since it depends on the
water cycle, hydropower will never run out.
Clean Energy Source: It does not produce pollution
or greenhouse gases, making it environmentally
friendly.
Reliable and Efficient: Hydropower plants can
generate electricity 24/7 as long as there is water.
Low Operating Costs: After construction,
maintaining a hydropower plant is relatively cheap.
Can Store Energy: Pumped-storage plants can store
energy for use when electricity demand is high.
Provides Flood Control and Water Supply: Dams can
help regulate water flow, preventing floods and
supplying water for irrigation.
5 Disadvantages of Hydropower
Expensive to Build: Constructing dams and power
plants requires billions of dollars.
Disrupts Ecosystems: Dams can block fish migration
and affect wildlife living in and around rivers.
Risk of Droughts: If rainfall is low or rivers dry up,
less electricity is produced.
Land Use and Displacement: Large dams can flood
areas, forcing people and animals to relocate.
Maintenance and Safety Issues: Dams require
regular upkeep, and in rare cases, they can fail,
leading to catastrophic flooding.
6 Hydropower Around the World
China is the largest producer of hydropower, followed
by Brazil, Canada, and the USA.
Norway gets almost 100% of its electricity from
hydropower!
The Three Gorges Dam in China is the world’s
biggest hydropower plant, generating enough
electricity to power millions of homes.
The Itaipu Dam (Brazil/Paraguay) produces more
electricity per year than any other dam.
7 Fun Facts About Hydropower
Water wheels were used in ancient civilizations like
Greece and China to grind grain and power small
machines.
Hydropower provides more electricity than solar and
wind combined in many countries.
A single large dam can provide power to an entire
city!
Some hydropower plants are built inside mountains
to protect them from earthquakes and extreme
weather.
8 The Future of Hydropower
Scientists and engineers are working on new
technologies to make hydropower more efficient and
eco-friendly. Some solutions include:
●Fish-friendly turbines that let fish pass safely
through dams.
●Floating hydropower plants that use ocean waves
for electricity.
●Smaller hydropower stations that have less
impact on the environment.
Hydropower will continue to be an important source
of clean energy a
