Hydroelectric Power

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Hydroelectric Power

• By Elizabeth White

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Brief history

• The first use of moving water to produce
  electricity was a waterwheel on the Fox river in
  Wisconsin in 1882. The first hydro power plant at
  Niagara Falls was completed shortly the
  afterwards.

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How we use hydro power

• We use hydro power for every day use. Drying our
  hair, making food, watching t.v., and turning on
  a light.

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How is hydroelectric obtained?

• Hydroelectric power plants capture the energy
  released by falling water through a vertical
  distance, and transform this energy into useful
  electricity. They get the power from dams, which
  store water for electricity.

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Positive aspects of hydroelectricity

• The use of a dam to impound water also provides
  the capability of storing water during rainy
  periods and releasing it during dry periods.
  Hydro power plants are a clean and
  environmentally safe method of producing
  electricity.

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Negative aspects of hydroelectricity

• Large dams and reservoirs can have impacts on
  water sheds and the amount and quality of water
  in the river downstream of the dam. Silt can
  decease the amount of water which can be stored
  and used for electrical generation.

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Bibliography

• Energy Facts Sheet Yahoo,1993 1-5 (December 6,
  2001)