Hydroelectricity

Hydro power plants produce minimal greenhouse gases and are a source of clean, non-polluting energy. The evaporation/condensation cycle also makes hydro energy completely renewable. Energy is produced from the natural water flow of rivers, assuring large scale and stable energy generation. Benefitting from a very long lifespan, hydroelectric facilities tend to become a driving force for local economy where they have been installed.

How a run-of-river power plant works

Run-of-river generating stations are not very complicated. Flowing water is channelled through the intake and guided down a penstock, which causes it to flow with greater speed and force to the turbine. The turbine is activated by the force of the water, and it, in turn, runs the alternator to produce electricity. The water then flows down the tailrace and returns to the river. The viability of a site and the electricity it can produce are determined by two factors: drop height and water flow volume.