Let's Explore Hydropower!

Electricity from Water Power

The force of moving water is very powerful and a hydroplant uses that force to generate electricity. Hydroplants are built near moving water such as a river and also man made facilities such as dams that create moving water. The dams are built on reservoirs or lakes and have gates that can open or close to control the water flowing over the dam.

The energy from hydropower changes. The falling water is gravitational energy, then converts to mechanical energy as the force of the water turns the turbine.

The generator connected to the turbine rotates, changing the mechanical energy to electrical energy. The transformers convert the electricity to usable voltage levels. The electricity is then sent through the transmission lines to distribution stations.

The use of hydropower is economical, helps conserve our fossil fuels, and is a clean, environmentally friendly source of energy.