Hydro Energy
Harness the Flow: The Power of Hydro Energy! đHydroelectric power, often referred to as hydro energy, is a form of renewable energy that uses the force or energy of moving water to generate electricity. It's the most mature, reliable, and cost-effective renewable power generation technology available.There are a few different types of hydroelectric systems, each using water in a different way. These include:
- Impoundment: The most common type, this involves creating a dam across a river which stores water in a reservoir. When released, this water flows through turbines to produce electricity.
- Diversion (or Run-of-River): In this method, a portion of a river is channeled through a canal or penstock to spin a turbine.
- Pumped Storage: This system stores energy by using two water reservoirs at different levels. During periods of low electricity demand, excess electricity is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper one. During periods of high electrical demand, the stored water is released through turbines to generate electricity.
The advantage of hydro energy is that it's a clean source of fuel, meaning it won't pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. Additionally, hydroelectric power is a flexible source of electricity since reservoirs can be stored for when the power is needed, and the flow of water can be adjusted to produce more or less power.According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), as of 2021, hydroelectric power contributes about 16% of the total electricity production worldwide, making it the largest renewable energy source for electricity.However, it's worth noting that while hydroelectric power has significant benefits, it also has environmental and social impacts. Large-scale hydroelectric installations can disrupt local ecosystems and displace people living where reservoirs are created.