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Hydropower

Traditional hydropower changes a body of water so that the water’s flow can be used to generate electricity. For example, a dam may be built on a river to trap the water so it can be released through a turbine to generate electricity. Or, water can be pumped from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir, and stored there. When it is needed, it flows down through a turbine for electricity generation. Most traditional hydropower facilities are found in hilly or mountainous areas.

New hydropower uses energy from the natural movement of water to produce electricity without changing the water flow. For example, the constant flow of water in a river can spin the blades of underwater turbines to produce electricity.

 

Hydropower is one of the top two largest renewable energy sources for electricity generation in this country (with the other being wind power). It accounts for about 7% of total U.S. electricity generation. The oldest still-operating hydroelectric power plant in the United States came online in 1891. (*Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration*)