Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Austria, Switzerland, Venezuela, and several other countries have a majority of the internal electric energy production from hydroelectric power. Paraguay produces 100% of its electricity from hydroelectric dams and exports 90% of its production to Brazil and to Argentina.
Hydropower is the most efficient way to generate electricity. Modern hydro turbines can convert as much as 90% of the available energy into electricity. The best fossil fuel plants are only about 50% efficient. In the U.S., hydropower is produced for an average of 0.85 cents per kilowatt-hour (kwh).
The first hydroelectric power plant, located in Appleton, Wisconsin, began to generate electricity already in 1882. The power output was at about 12.5 kW. 7 years later, in 1889, the total number of hydroelectric power plant solely in the US had reached 200.
Most hydroelectricity is produced at large dams built by the federal government, and many of the largest hydropower dams are in the western United States. About half of total U.S. utility-scale conventional hydroelectricity generation capacity is concentrated in Washington, California, and Oregon.
Nowadays, huge power generators are placed inside dams. Water flowing through the dams spin turbine blades (made from metal instead of leaves) which are connected to generators. Power is produced and is sent to homes and businesses. Hydropower is the most important and widely-used renewable source of energy.
Hydropower or hydroelectricity refers to the conversion of energy from flowing water into electricity. It is considered a renewable energy source because the water cycle is constantly renewed by the sun. This turbine is connected to an electromagnetic generator, which produce electricity when the turbine spins.
Is hydropower a renewable resource? The United States House of Representatives' Committee on Natural Resources states: “Hydropower, generated mainly from hydroelectric dams, is a clean, renewable, non-emitting source of energy that provides low-cost electricity and helps reduce carbon emissions.
Pros of Hydroelectric Power
- Renewable energy source. Hydroelectric energy is renewable.
- Clean energy source.
- Cost competitive energy source.
- Contributes to development of remote communities.
- Recreational opportunities.
- Fundamental vehicle for sustainable development.
- Environmental damage.
- High upfront capital costs.
Koyna Hydroelectric Project
Where was India's first electricity-generating station located? The 4.5 megawatt hydroelectric power station near Sivasamudram falls of the Cauvery in Karnataka was the first major power station in India. Owned by a few British companies, it was set up by General Electric of the US.
Koyna Hydroelectric Project
The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China is the world's biggest hydroelectric facility.
The Koyna Hydroelectric Project
As of March 2017, India has 22 nuclear reactors in operation at seven sites, having an installed capacity of 6780 MW. and producing a total of 30,292.91 GWh of electricity 11 more reactors are under construction to generate an additional 8,100 MW.
The Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant is a 1200 MW run of the river power station on the Sutlej river in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The Pandoh Dam is built across Beas river in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It was commissioned in 1977 for the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
