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Hydro, or water, power is the largest, and not new, renewable energy source. Energy is the result of channeling and/or harnessing fast-moving water. The faster the flow, the more energy it has and more electricity can be capably generated.

Hydropower primarily provides 81 percent of the U.S.’ renewable power generation, and ten-percent of the nation’s electricity overall. It is all generated from nothing more than water rushing through turbines!

Most of this water comes from rivers and is released through turbines to produce electricity. For example, fast-moving rivers, such as the Columbia River (between Washington State and Oregon) provide a great deal of energy in their flow. This method is a “run-of-the-river system, where the current’s force provides the pressure/energy that operates the turbines that generate the power.

Hydro energy is also obtained from water quickly falling from great heights, such as Canada’s Niagara Falls. To generate power from these rushing waters, the water is driven through a penstock that pushes and turns turbine blades, which, in turn spin the generator, producing electricity.

Rivers, falls, and dams are only a few prime examples of hydropower that provides electricity for entire cities Private, small-scale hydropower generation is environmentally friendly. However, larger dam projects are under scrutiny for their environmental impact. Dams provide “storage system” types of energy. Water is accumulated in dammed reservoirs and released as the demand for electricity increases. Hoover Dam, built in 1936, is a hydroelectric facility that provides recreational boating/kayaking and fishing in addition to generating power.

Although hydropower sources do not cause or release pollution as we envision it (such as emissions, contaminants, odors, etc.), hydro dams can and do cause harm to fish and wildlife that might be trapped or caught in turbines. Major dam construction projects have also displaced wildlife and people, and altered waterway routes. Nearby residents also complain about the deteriorated water quality as a result. The primary drawback of hydropower aside from its impact to fish, wildlife, and residents, is its expense to build and maintain. However, with strict maintenance, they last for many decades.



Jason Grace
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
Germany

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