Hydropower

=Hydroelectric Power = Water has long been used as a source of energy, beginning with the Greeks use of water wheels over 2,000 years ago. For over a century, hydropower has been used to generate electricity from falling water. Hydroelectric power stems from the process of using water's energy as it flows from higher to lower elevation, rotating hydraulic turbines to create electricity. Tidal power, although not widely used, can also generate hydroelectricity by utilizing the same principle. Hydropower is considered to be a clean, renewable source of energy, emitting a very low level of greenhouse gases when compared to fossil fuels. It has a low operating cost once installed and can be highly automated. An additional benefit is that the power is generally available on demand since the flow of water can be controlled. Using hydroelectric power also has disadvantages. Dams can block fish passage to spawning grounds or to the ocean, although many plants now have measures in place to help reduce this impact. The diversion of water can impact stream flow, or even cause a river channel to dry out, degrading both aquatic and streamside habitats. Hydroelectric plants can also have an impact on water quality by lowering the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. In the reservoir, sediments and nutrients can be trapped and the lack of water flow can create a situation for undesirable growth and the spread of algae and aquatic weeds. One incentive for hydroelectric facilities to help mitigate their overall impact on the environment is through green power certification. The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) created a voluntary certification program whereby facilities are classified as low impact after passing a series of tests that demonstrate minimal impact. In 2007, less than 30 facilities in the U.S. had that distinction. Certification programs, such as the one set by the LIHI, can benefit hydropower efforts by attracting consumers concerned about energy source impacts. While the use of water to produce electricity is an attractive alternative to fossil fuels, the technology must still overcome obstacles related to space requirements, building costs, environmental impacts, and the displacement of people. However, within the U.S., possible locations for new hydropower projects are beginning to diminish.   How Hydropower Plants Work

HowStuffWorks.com details the basic components of a hydropower plant and how it operates.  Wind & Hydropower Technologies Program: Hydropower Technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's website for their hydropower technologies program gives an overview of how hydropower works, advantages and disadvantages of using hydropower, the history of the technology, and the latest in research developments.

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