Bookmark and Share

Clean Energy: Hydro Technology

Hydro EnergyOur planet is mostly water, so it makes sense to develop technologies using water as a source of power. Hydropower has been used by humans for centuries, and is currently used to generate more electricity than any other renewable energy source. Hydro-energy technologies use rivers, tides, waves, and currents.


what kind of hydroelectricity is currently in use? 

In North America, most hydropower is hydroelectricity produced by the water pressure formed by damming rivers. These dams produce about 7 percent of U.S. electricity. As water flows through a dam site, it spins a turbine, which activates a generator to produce energy. Most ideal sites for large dams have already been developed.

Are there any disadvantages to hydropower?

Yes. Hydropower plants are vulnerable to droughts, and large dams disrupt ecosystems and regions sometimes with dire consequences. Yet the dams can also help with flood control. And this low cost renewable energy source is better for the environment than electricity generated by fossil fuels. Clean energy mitigates the effects of climate change and the many challenges to human health that are caused by burning fossil fuels.

what about those other large bodies of water, the ocean?

Technology that uses ocean tides, the movement of river and waves as an energy source is not yet widely used. Such hydrokinetic technologies have potential. One challenge is designing turbines that can operate where water flows in more than one direction.

Hydropower Technology Resources

 
 
 
 
Sources

 

Tasteful Flourish