Hydroelectric Power Facts
Hydropower is the most efficient way to generate electricity as it is capable of producing and delivering electricity for widespread consumption. In this technique, the energy of moving water is used in various useful applications. Electricity is generated by harnessing the gravitational force of falling water. More than 20% of the world’s electricity is generated by using hydroelectric power. Tidal power is a different form of hydropower which uses the energy of tides to create electricity. Three Gorges Dam, China is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world.
Quick Facts: –
- There are three different types of hydroelectric installation: – storage, run-of-river and pump storage facility.
- It is the most significant and least expensive renewable energy source.
- The first hydroelectric power plant that was fully operational was built at Niagara Falls in 1879.
- Although this source of energy is comparatively clean but sometimes it can increase Methane Emissions.
- Hydroelectric power plants generate power when a wheel or turbine is spinned by using flowing water.
- These plants can also help fish and other wildlife to move freely in water by using some techniques like fish ladders and fish elevators.
- The failure of a hydroelectric dam in China caused the death of 26,000 people.
- These dams serve a number of additional purposes like irrigation, shipping, flood control and navigation.
- The most common use of water mills is grinding grains into flour.
- There are total 80,000 dams in the United States from which only 3% dams currently generate power.
