Transcript Slide 1
By: Zach Riedy Electricity generated by harnessing the power of the gravitational force of moving water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy. To create a renewable source of energy that is not only reliable, but also clean and environmentally friendly. To create an alternative energy source to fossil fuels. Hoover Dam Hydropower has been used for hundreds of years starting with simple water wheels and watermills. Hydroelectric power now supplies about 750,000 megawatts, or about 19% of the worlds electricity. Hydropower makes up 99.1% of all the renewable energy sources used. Potential Energy Electrical Energy Electricity Kinetic Energy Mechanical Energy There are still large dams being built, but fewer and fewer good sites remain in the world to install new capacity. In the U.S. we have dammed up almost all major rivers, but there are still sites where small-scale hydro or micro-hydro power plants can be created. Hydroelectricity supplies the U.S. with 7.5% of our power needs. Located on the Gordon River in Tasmania, this dam meets 13% of the islands power needs. The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China is the worlds largest dam, spanning over 7,600 ft. with a height of 600 ft.. It be fully functional sometime in 2011 after being under construction since 1994. The dam will supply China with over 22,500 megawatts of power. The construction of Three Gorges Dam has met with a lot of criticism due to its potential environmental issues. Hydropower is fueled by water, so it’s a clean fuel source. It doesn’t pollute like fossil fuel burning power plants. Dependent on the water cycle, which is renewable. Well developed technology. Creates large reservoirs that can serve as recreational areas. Can block the travel and migration of wildlife. Destroys forests, agricultural land, and recreation areas by creating a large reservoir. Alters stream flow causing disruptions in plant and animal ecology. Can displace homes that lie within the rivers new flood plain. Dams are a huge investment as they are expensive to build and have long construction periods. In modern times they are relatively cheap to operate due to high levels of automation. Many dams are/were built to last only 50 years so the cost to repair them is high as well. www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-andyou/affect/hydro.html library.thinkquest.org/26366/text/alternative /hydro.html http://www.actewagl.com.au/Education/ener gy/RenewableEnergy/Hydroelectricity/Advant agesOfHydro.aspx http://www.energyrefuge.com/archives/hydr o-electricity.htm