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Hydroelectric Power. Jeanne Stroud and Forrest Stutts. What is it? . Hydroelectric power or hydropower is an energy source that harnesses electricity from moving water. . History of Hydropower. Medieval Waterwheel. Ancient Chinese Waterwheel. How much do we use hydropower?.
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Hydroelectric Power Jeanne Stroud and Forrest Stutts
What is it? • Hydroelectric power or hydropower is an energy source that harnesses electricity from moving water.
History of Hydropower • Medieval Waterwheel • Ancient Chinese Waterwheel
How much do we use hydropower? • Hydroelectric power accounts for 16% of electricity generated worldwide. • 7% of electricity in the United States.
Advantages • Renewable energy source • Can immediately respond to changes in the demand for electricity • Low operation and maintenance costs • Water is not subject to market fluctuations
Advantages cont. • Storage of drinking water • Improves the air we breathe • Helps fight climate change • Clean and cheap energy that is sustainable for the future • Promotes the use of other renewable energy sources
Disadvantages • High investment cost • Dependent on annual rainfall • Risk of flooding land and wildlife • Displacement of local populations
Is Hydropower efficient? • Hydroelectric plants provide the most widely used source of renewable energy. • Climate Change is a growing concern that calls for more cleaner energy sources. • Fossil fuel dependence is ultimately inefficient.
Current Issues • Three Gorges Dam • Colorado River
The Future of Hydropower • Conversion of dormant dams to hydroelectricity. • Low-head hydropower systems.