Hydropower is the use of energy derived from moving water for power It is the largest form of renewable energy sources, accounting for around 16% of the world’s renewable energy production. The energy is created by the motion of water in a turbine or generator. This method of energy production requires no combustion of any kind and is incredibly efficient, making it one of the most desirable sources of energy.
One of the most famous examples of hydropower is the Hoover Dam, located on the border of Arizona and Nevada in the US. Built in 1935, the Hoover Dam produces enough electricity to serve approximately one million people across Arizona, Nevada, and California. It is an impressive structure and a prime example of the power of hydropower.
The Grand Coulee Dam located in Washington State is another example of hydropower. Built in the 1940s, it is the largest concrete structure in North America and is the largest hydroelectric power producer in the United States, supplying electricity to over 1.5 million people.
Another impressive hydropower engineering feat is the Three Gorges Dam in China. Built in 2003, the dam is located along the Yangtze River and is the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant. With a capacity of up to 22.5 gigawatts, the dam provides energy for over 30 million people.
The Itaipu Dam, located on the Paraguay-Brazil border, is the second-largest hydroelectric power plant in the world and an impressive example of hydropower. Completed in 1984, the dam provides power to both Brazil and Paraguay and is capable of producing up to 15 gigawatts of electricity.
In India, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is one of the largest and oldest hydropower projects in the country. Built in the 1950s, the dam provides water and power to millions of people in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.
These five examples demonstrate the potential of hydropower and how it can provide clean and renewable energy sources for large populations. Hydropower is a viable and sustainable source of energy, and these examples prove its potential.