How hydroelectric power plants work
Hydroelectric power -- using the flow of water to perform work -- represents one of the oldest methods humanity has used to tap renewable energy sources. Currently, 15% of the world's electricity comes from hydroelectric power (Renewable Energy for the 21st Century, "Renewables 2007: Global Status Report"). While this number is impressive, new technologies will help hydroelectric power play a larger role in meeting global energy needs in the future.
How does hydropower work? What new methods of generating electricity using the kinetic energy of flowing water are under development?
How Moving Water is Used to Make Electricity
Hydropower yields electricity in a fundamentally different way than fossil fuels. For example, heat from burning coal boils water to produce steam. The st...