Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, is the process of using water to make electricity. The most established of the renewable energy technologies, hydropower provides more than 70% of the electricity generated in the U.S. by renewable energy and accounts for nearly seven percent of all American generated electricity. [1]and[2]
To generate electricity, water must be in motion, which is known as is kinetic (moving) energy. When flowing water turns blades in a turbine, the form is changed from kinetic energy to mechanical (machine) energy. The turbine turns the generator rotor, which in turn converts this mechanical energy into another energy form -- electricity. Since water is the initial source of energy, the process is called hydroelectric power or hydropower for short.[3]
Research by Theresa Pipher
