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Jan 11
2007
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About Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectric energy is a renewable energy source dependent upon the hydrological cycle of water, which involves evaporation, precipitation and the flow of water due to gravity. Hydro Electricity is not a new technology but is used as a primary source of electricity in many countries in the world such as Canada, the United States, Brazil, China, Russia and Norway. Based on information and statistics from 2003 there is over 700,000 MW of electric capacity generated by hydroelectric facilities around the world. Hopefully that number has continued to increase over the past years as this technology is well established, proven and very environmentally friendly.
Understanding Hydroelectric Facilities
The main components of a hydroelectric facility are the dam, the powerhouse that contains the mechanical and electrical equipment, and the waterways. Water from a lake or river is controlled by a dam. Water is released from the dam to turn turbines and the turbines drive generators that produce electricity. The purpose of the dam is to create height for the water to fall and to provide storage. However, the dam must also be provided with a spillway that will allow high water flows or flood waters to pass without over-topping the dam or reducing its safety. Flood waters can come from heavy rain or rapid snow melt on the upstream part of the basin.
Small-Scale Hydroelectric Facilities
Small-scale hydroelectric facilities can be developed to provide electricity for a few houses or for small commercial applications. In more rugged regions of the country, small-scale facilities can be built at relatively low costs.
Benefits of Hydroelectric Energy
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Hydroelectric energy is a renewable energy source
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Hydroelectric energy environmentally friendly.
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It is non-polluting and no heat or noxious gases are released as the process involves harnessing the power of flowing water to turn the turbines
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Hydroelectric energy has no fuel cost and with its low operating and maintenance costs, it is potentially close to inflation proof
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Hydroelectric energy technology is a proven reliable technology
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Hydroelectric stations have a long life and many existing stations have been in operation for more than half a century and are still operating efficiently
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Hydropower station efficiencies of over 90% are achieved making it the most efficient of energy conversion technologies
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Hydropower offers a means of responding within seconds to changes in load demand (providing you are not at maximum capacity already)
