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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 or water energy, 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 ...
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]
The Federal Power Act is a law appearing in Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the United States Code, entitled "Federal Regulation and Development of Power".Enacted as the Federal Water Power Act on June 10, 1920, and amended many times since, [1] its original purpose was to more effectively coordinate the development of hydroelectric projects in the United States.
When generating hydropower, the head is the distance that a given water source has to fall before the point where power is generated. Ultimately the force responsible for hydropower is gravity , so a hydroelectricity plant [ 1 ] with a tall/high head can produce more power than a similar plant with a short/low head.
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.
Hydropower, derived from water; Hydroelectricity, in electrical form "Hydro", AC mains electricity in parts of Canada; Micro hydro, a type of hydroelectric power that typically produces from 5 kW to 100 kW of electricity using the natural flow of water; Pico hydro, a term used for hydroelectric power generation of under 5 kW
In 2015 hydropower generated 16.6% of the worlds total electricity and 70% of all renewable electricity. [46] The major advantage of conventional hydroelectric systems with reservoirs is their ability to store potential power for later production on demand. When used in conjunction with intermittent sources like wind and solar, a constant ...