Difference between revisions of "Hydroelectric power"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m |
m |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | '''Hydroelectric power''' is a means of providing [[electricity]] from the forces of moving [[water]], and is the leading renewable [[energy]] source in the world. Hydropower plants account for about 24% of the world's power supply. <ref>http://people.howstuffworks.com/hydropower-plant.htm</ref> Hydroelectric power is seen both in large [[dams | + | '''Hydroelectric power''' is a means of providing [[electricity]] from the forces of moving [[water]], and is the leading renewable [[energy]] source in the world. Hydropower plants account for about 24% of the world's power supply. <ref>http://people.howstuffworks.com/hydropower-plant.htm</ref> Hydroelectric power is seen both in large [[dam | dams]], or in "[[small hydro]]" projects that are much smaller in scale, and might serve just one commmunity. Larger hydroplants use dams to hold back water, creating a large [[reservoir]] of water, which is [[potential energy]]. The water becomes [[kinetic energy]] when a gate is opened, allowing the water to flow down and turn the blades of a [[turbine]], creating energy. |
Revision as of 22:11, August 25, 2007
Hydroelectric power is a means of providing electricity from the forces of moving water, and is the leading renewable energy source in the world. Hydropower plants account for about 24% of the world's power supply. [1] Hydroelectric power is seen both in large dams, or in "small hydro" projects that are much smaller in scale, and might serve just one commmunity. Larger hydroplants use dams to hold back water, creating a large reservoir of water, which is potential energy. The water becomes kinetic energy when a gate is opened, allowing the water to flow down and turn the blades of a turbine, creating energy.