Facts about Hydroelectric Energy

Hydroelectric energy generation provides a method for creating electricity from a renewable resource, while generating very little pollution. Here are seven interesting facts about hydroelectric energy...

1. The first hydroelectric power station in history started producing electricity in 1882, according to the Library of Congress web site. It was located in the state of Wisconsin, and used the Fox River for electrical generation.

2. Hydroelectric energy is used in many countries around the world, including Brazil, Canada, Russia, Tanzania, Iceland, North Korea, and New Zealand. It appears to be a popular option in almost every region, regardless of political or economic differences.

3. The state of California uses a large amount of hydroelectric energy. The California Energy Commission web site indicates that power stations of this type generated just over fifteen percent of California's electricity during 1999.

4. According to the U.S. Geological Survey web site, hydro power plants generate electricity by turning a turbine. Many electricity generation methods use turbines in one way or another, including wind, coal, and hand-operated dynamos.

5. China generates more hydroelectricity than any other country, as indicated by the China Daily. It also states that about twenty percent of electricity worldwide is generated with hydroelectric. China has built power stations of this kind in other countries as well.

6. Hydroelectric power plants are capable of functioning properly for a very long period of time. According to Natural Resources Canada, a large number of Canadian power stations of this type have been in use for over fifty years.

7. Hydropower is used to produce more electricity than other renewable methods of electricity generation in the U.S., according to the Energy Information Administration. This means that its use is more widespread than that of wind or solar power.

For more facts about hydroelectric, consider reading a book on this type of power or renewable energy in general, such as "Alternative Energy Resources: The Quest for Sustainable Energy", or "The Economics of Hydroelectric Power."

The following video illustrates how a hydropower station functions:

Sources

1. EIA, http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/hydroelec/hydroelec.html

2. U.S. Geological Survey, http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/hyhowworks.html

3. California Energy Commission, http://www.energy.ca.gov/electricity/hydro.html

4. Library of Congress, http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep30.html

5. China Daily, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/27/content_386292.htm

6. Natural Resources Canada, http://www.canren.gc.ca/tech_appl/index.asp?CaId=4&PgId=26