ENERGY DREAM MAP

Hydro

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Hydroelectricity is electricity made by generators that are pushed by the movement of water. It is usually made with dams that block a river to make a reservoir or collect water that is pumped there. When the water is released, the pressure behind the dam forces the water down pipes that lead to a turbine. This causes the turbine to rotate, which turns a generator making electricity.

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There are three main categories of hydropower technologies: 

1.  Run-of-river technology: It relies on the flow of the river at an elevated point, which, through gravity, is fed to a turbine generator.

2. Impoundment hydro power: These systems employ one or more dams to store water. The potential energy stored in the dam is converted to electricity by passing the stored water from an elevated point through a turbine generator located at the lower point.

3. Pumped hydro power: A two-dam system, where one dam is installed at a higher point to the other. During off-peak hours when the cost of electricity is low, the water from the lower reservoir is pumped up to the elevated reservoir using electricity from the grid. When the cost of electricity is high during peak hours, the water is released from the upper dam to generate electricity. Pumped hydro power is the only system of its category that produces a non-renewable form of hydroelectricity.

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In 2015 hydro power generated 16.6% of the world's total electricity and 70% of all renewable electricity, and was expected to increase about 3.1% each year for the next 25 years. According to World Bank, the power generation is 16.218%.

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Advantages:

• Hydro power is fueled by water, so it is a clean fuel source​.

• It can be applied by utilizing internal resources and without being dependent on other countries.

• Quick shift from zero power to maximum output is possible. Electrical backup to national grid can be provided within a very short time span during major power disruptions.

• The energy generated through hydro power relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it a renewable power source.

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Disadvantages:

• Environmental consequences due to damming of water, change in water flow, and the construction of roads and power lines.

• It is expensive.

• Electricity generation and energy prices are directly related to how much water is available. A drought could potentially affect this.

• Limited reservoirs.

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Applications

1. Electricity generation by using the potential energy of water.