Hydropower+Page


 * Hydroelectricity[[image:hydro power.jpg align="right"]] **


 *  What is it? **

 Hydro power converts the energy in flowing water into electricity. The amount of electricity generated is determined by how much water is flowing and the amount of "head" created by the dam. "Head" is the distance from the turbines in the power plant to the water's surface. The greater the flow and the height, the more electricity produced.

 A typical hydropower plant includes a dam, reservoir, pipes, a powerhouse and an electrical power substation. The dam stores water, pipes carry it from the reservoir to turbines inside the powerhouse. The water rotates the turbines, which drive generators that produce electricity.

 The electricity is then transmitted to a substation where transformers increase voltage to allow transmission to homes, businesses and factories.

NPR Visualizing the Energy Grid - Learn about the energy resources powering our country and our state, and find out how they are interconnected.
 * Learn More **

Energy Explained - US Energy Information Administration. Learn about how each energy resources is found and used to provide the energy we need.

Energy4Me - Compare the pros and cons of each energy resource.

CBC News Online | May 20, 2009 [], - Additional information about energy resources.

Buzzle: Pros and Cons of Energy - Additional information about energy resources.

Estimated cost per kilowatt hour by resource:




 * Video Resources: **

media type="custom" key="21652694" width="130" height="130"