HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY

HOW DOES HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY WORK?

• Hydroelectric energy is derived from the movement of water.
• As water rushes past the turbine, it turns a shaft in the electric motor that is connected to the turbine.
• The electric motor then produces electricity which then travels through power lines to where ever it is needed.

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HOW CAN HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY BE USED?

• Hydroelectric energy can be used to power anything because the electricity from it is moved by power lines.
• Hydroelectric energy is very sustainable too because it produces electricity 24/7.
• hybrid cars, water heaters, ovens, microwaves, etc.
• It can be used on a small scale too because it doesn't burn anything, it can reuse the water.
• Hydroelectric energy is very useful.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY NOW?

• It is commonly used in mountain ranges because there is space for deep reservoir.
• It can be used to power anything that is powered by electricity directly.
• Blender, microwaves, televisions, etc.

WHAT EFFECT DOES HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY HAVE ON THE ENVIROMENT?

• It adds no pollution to the air.
• A dam is needed to get the water to flow fast enough, which could potentially lead to flooding.
• The water is reusable because it is not polluted as it pushes the underwater turbine.
• No burning is required so there is no chance of a forest fire that could destroy miles of forests.

IS HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY ACCEPTED WIDELY TODAY? WHY OR WHY NOT?

• Hydroelectric energy is the most widely used form of renewable resource.
• Hydroelectric energy accounts for about 20% of energy generation.
• Hydroelectric energy plants can function longer than 50 years producing energy 24/7.
• The top three countries to use hydroelectric energy are:
• 1. China 2. Canada and 3. United States of America

POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES TO HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY:

POSITIVES:

• Doesn't pollute the water or the air
• Produces energy 24/7
• Widely excepted
• Inexpensive to repair plants
• Make a place for recreational swimming and boating.

NEGATIVES:

• May cause flooding.
• Fish may become trapped by the turbine.
• These dams are less powerful in the case of droughts.

HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY