How Hydropower Works?

Hydropower is also called Hydroelectric Power, a type of power source in which electricity comes from falling, waving, or flowing water. Hence, the kinetic energy from the moving water converts into mechanical energy. After that process, the generator will convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

It is one of the most widely utilized and reliable forms of renewable energy all over the world. Some countries are using dams, rivers, or waterfalls while others are using waves and tidal motion from the ocean to generate electricity.

This type of energy is different from steam-based power plants (coal and nuclear power plants) which use coal and fossil fuel to make the turbine spin.

How Does Hydropower Works?

The water will flow through a pipe or penstock that could create a strong current.
The current or flow of water will push the blades of the turbine which is connected to a generator and spin rapidly.
The generator will convert it into electricity and passes it to the power lines which will be distributed to the consumers.

What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower? Here Are The Most Common Ones.

The advantages are:

It is renewable and long-lasting. Since it uses dams, rivers, waterfalls, or oceans, there is almost no interruption at all unless the condition of the generator installed to the water source is good.
It is a very clean and reliable type of energy. Running water doesn’t emit pollution into the atmosphere, so it is safe and environment-friendly.
It gives a big contribution to the economy of a country. By building dams or big basins for water, they create jobs for people and can be one of the tourist destinations after all.
It is adjustable. It is mostly happening in dams. When a town or city needs or requires more or less energy, the hydropower plant can adjust the flow of water.

The disadvantages are:

It expensive to build when a city or town is planning to create a dam. It takes years to build and its tools and materials are quite high-cost.
There are limited plant locations or reservoirs. For countries or cities which are far from the ocean or rivers, they need to seek other options for their power source.
Drought problem. Water can be affected by drought. If the water is lower than the normal level, it affects energy production to supply the consumers.
It is risky. When the wall of the dam breaks because of its poor-quality materials used or hit by a strong hurricane, the water will flow and could create floods.