Hydro Power

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Hydropower plants contain and transform the energy of moving water to produce electric power. These plants consist of dams, turbines, and generators that allow the kinetic energy of falling water to transform into mechanical energy and then to electrical energy.

What is hydro power?

The electricity obtained through converting the force of falling water is called hydro power. Traditionally, the use of hydro power was confined to irrigation systems and machine operation, such as waterwheels. In modern times, hydro power comes in a variety of forms, although that processed in dams are still the most common. Damless hydro power is derived from the kinetic energy of water flowing in oceans, rivers, and streams. Vortex power is generated through vortices created in a body of water. Tidal power is energy captured from horizontal tides, while those that come in the vertical direction produce tidal steam power. Marine current power is derived from the kinetic energy of sea current. Other types of hydro power include wave energy, ocean thermal energy, and osmotic power, which uses semipermeable membrane to separate river water from sea water and then routes it into a storage system.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using hydro power?

As the Earth consists of 70% water, there is a rich source of hydro energy. As an alternative energy source, hydro power reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions commonly associated with conventional power sources. However, building the infrastructures necessary for tapping hydraulic energy can be costly. At the same time, constructions and expansions of dams may require relocation of people and displacement of wildlife.