HYDROELECTRIC ENERGYMay 17, 2010

Objectives

Determine what causes hydroelectric power to produce electricity

Describe how a hydroelectric power plant produces electricity

List advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power

Where does hydroelectric energy come from?

“Hydro-” means water “-electric” means electricity Hydroelectric energy is electricity gained

from flowing water

How does water produce electricity?

Water is influenced by gravity That tendency can be used to turn a

turbine

Hydroelectric Dams

Three Gorges Dam in China is the largest hydroelectric plant in the world

Hydroelectric Dam

Grand Coulee Dam in the state of Washington is the largest in the US

Hydroelectricity from the Tides

Ocean Tides can produce hydroelectricity Uses the motion and speed of the waves to

power a turbine

Advantages of Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric Power Stations can last for many decades

Hydroelectric energy does not pollute the atmosphere

Hydroelectric Dams can be used for other purposes

Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power

Dams are expensive to build and take a long time to repay the investment

If a dam is not built correctly, the dam could break causing serious flooding and damage downriver

Large dams can cause geological problems