About Waterpower
Water is used to generate electricity by harnessing the energy in moving water. The basic process is to take water from a river or lake and pass it through a tunnel or tube that includes a drop in elevation. The moving water then spins a turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity.
Large-scale projects will use a dam to capture and store the water. The major drawback of a dam is its effects on the surrounding natural environment as a result of flooding.
Small-scale projects have fewer effects on the surrounding environment. Small-capacity waterpower plants or "run-of-the-river" projects use a weir or channel some of the water away from the river rather than a dam. Drawbacks to small-scale projects include less consistent power output and the inability to store water for future use.
Important factors when considering waterpower projects include:
- the distance the water will fall, otherwise known as the head. A higher head means a shorter penstock, which will reduce project costs.
- the flow of water throughout the year
- the proximity to transmission or distribution lines.
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