Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Hydroelectricity, or hydroelectric power, is electricity generated from hydropower (water power). Hydropower supplies 15% of the world's electricity , almost 4,210 TWh in 2023, [ 1 ] which is more than all other renewable sources combined and also more than nuclear power . [ 2 ]
Hydropower (from Ancient Greek ὑδρο-, "water"), also known as water power, is the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity or to power machines. This is achieved by converting the gravitational potential or kinetic energy of a water source to produce power. [1] Hydropower is a method of sustainable energy production.
Low-head hydro power refers to the development of hydroelectric power where the head is typically less than 20 metres, although precise definitions vary. [1] Head is the vertical height measured between the hydro intake water level and the water level at the point of discharge.
Water can generate electricity with a conversion efficiency of about 90%, which is the highest rate in renewable energy. [81] There are many forms of water energy: Historically, hydroelectric power came from constructing large hydroelectric dams and reservoirs, which are still popular in developing countries. [82]
Some water turbines are designed for pumped-storage hydroelectricity. They can reverse flow and operate as a pump [1] to fill a high reservoir during off-peak electrical hours, and then revert to a water turbine for power generation during peak electrical demand. This type of turbine is usually a Deriaz or Francis turbine in design.
Hydroelectric power has been a popular method of energy dating back to the late 19th century. The main advantage of using hydropower is that it is a clean form of energy, otherwise known as "green" energy. Since the process of using waterpower does not require burning fossil fuels, it is more environmentally friendly.
The amount of hydroelectric power generated is strongly affected by changes in precipitation and surface runoff. [4] Hydroelectric stations exist in at least 34 US states. The largest concentration of hydroelectric generation in the US is in the Columbia River basin, which in 2012 was the source of 44% of the nation's hydroelectricity. [5]
Hydroelectricity. Run-of-the-river; Hydropower. Micro hydro; Pico hydro; Small hydro; Marine current power; Marine energy; Ocean thermal; Osmotic power; Solar energy; Solar power; Sustainable biofuel; Tidal power. Tidal stream generator; Wave power; Wind power; Nuclear power proposed as renewable energy; Topics by country and territory ...