In Hydroelectric power plants the potential energy of

water due to its high location is converted into electrical energy.

Hydropower is the most important and widely-used

renewable source of energy.

Hydropower represents 19% of total electricity

production.
China is the largest producer of hydro electricity, followed

by Canada, Brazil, and the U.S.

Dam Spillway Penstock & Tunnel Surge Tank

Turbine & Generator

Power Station

The water flowing in the river possesses two type of energy:

(1)the kinetic energy due to flow of water and
(2)potential energy due to the height of water. In hydroelectric power and potential energy of water is utilized to generate electricity. Simple formula for approximating electric Power production at a hydroelectric plant is: P=hrgk

where, P is Power in watts is the density of water (~1000 kg/m3) h is height in meters, is flow rate in cubic meters per second g is acceleration due to gravity of 9.8 m/s2 k is a coefficient of efficiency ranging from 0 to 1. Efficiency is often higher (that is, closer to 1) with larger and more modern turbine

Fuel is not burned so there is minimal pollution. Water to run the power plant is provided free by nature.

Hydropower plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas

emissions.
Relatively low operations and maintenance costs. The technology is reliable and proven over time.

It's renewable - rainfall renews the water in the reservoir, so

the fuel is almost always there.

High investment costs Hydrology dependent (precipitation)

In some cases, inundation of land and wildlife habitat

In some cases, loss or modification of fish habitat

Fish entrainment or passage restriction

In some cases, changes in reservoir and stream water

quality
In some cases, displacement of local populations