Hydropower, or hydroelectric power generation, is used around the world to generate electricity. Hydropower has been used for thousands of years to convert the energy of water into mechanical work for irrigation, and later to power machinery in the factories of the Industrial Revolution.

Hydropower harnesses the potential energy stored in a reservoir of water by converting it into kinetic energy by turning the blades of a turbine.  The turbine rotation turns a shaft in a generator, creating electricity.  This electricity can be used immediately in the electrical grid, or used to charge batteries.