~go with the flow~
District 5, Hydropower: Shaveta, Anittha and Tenaaz
Our (Super) Hydro energy advertisement!
Hydro Energy!
What is it?
Hydro energy is a renewable type of electrical energy that is derived from running water.
How does it work?
The water pressure that is created by the water is used to turn the blades of a turbine which is connected to a generator. The turbine then converts the mechanical energy into electricity.
Why renewable?
Hydro energy is a renewable energy source, meaning that it is a continuous a clean source of energy that does not...
- Use up valuable and limited natural resources
- Produce a lot of pollution
- Need to be dug up by companies to reach it
- Have waste-disposal problems
What are some impacts?
SOCIAL
- Very rapid and flexible--can easily maintain the system voltage levels, and quickly re-establish supply after a blackout. Energy generated by hydroelectric installations can be injected into the electricity system faster than that of any other energy source.
Small scale hydro or micro-hydro power has been an increasingly popular alternative energy source, especially in remote areas where other power sources are not viable.
ECONOMIC
- Hydropower is the cheapest way to generate electricity today; once a dam has been built and the equipment installed, the energy source flowing water is free.
- Hydroelectric power is a domestic source of energy, allowing each state to produce their own energy without being reliant on international fuel sources.
Projected U.S. Hydropower Industry Figures for 2025
ENVIRONMENTAL
- Clean fuel source--it is renewable yearly by snow and rainfall​.
- Some fish, like salmon, may be prevented from swimming upstream to spawn, but with technologies like fish ladders, salmon are able to go up over dams and enter upstream spawning areas.
- Has little to no discernible environmental effects or disruption on ecosystems, and hydropower facilities can quickly go from zero power to maximum output, making them exceptionally good at meeting rapidly changing demands for electricity throughout the day.
Water song video!
Sesame Street: The Water Song