- Electrical energy derived from falling or running water
- Water pressure is used to turn blades of turbine connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electricity
- 2004: Canada was to top hydropower producer in the world (12% of world production)
- British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec generate more than 75% of their power through hydroelectricity
CAPTURING AND USING HYDROPOWER
- Two types: 1. Impound water behind a dam, 2. Divert water into a channel parallel to the river (run-of-water hydropower plants)
- Hydroelectric plants can be made on existing dams
- Run-of-water plants have a lower affect environments and communities of water
- Hydropower is extremely flexible; water is led to a vertical tube that delivers it to turbines. Hydropower plants then respond quickly to variable demands by releasing or diverting more water. Water can be reserved at low order for peak demands by dams.
- Small hydropower systems have lower environmental and social affects, and are preferred over larger ones
- Larger plants offer the ability to reserve water for electricity generation as required
The Pembina Institute, "Energy Source: Hydropower." http://www.pembina.org/re/sources/hydro-power (accessed November 7, 2010).
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