Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Basics

Understand why hydroelectric renewable energy can provide the best energy option for your business

Hydroelectric renewable energy provides the largest percentage of renewable energy sources in the country. Some 2,000 hydroelectric projects exist around the United States. These projects generally consist of dams, power plants and transformers that generate, collect and distribute electricity to a grid. This energy alternative does not require environmentally damaging mining or drilling to extract the resource, nor does it produce toxic emissions during its generation. Hydroelectric companies build plants to harness energy from water, and often assume operating duties as well.

Due to its low environmental impact and inexpensive operating costs, water power remains one of the most attractive power sources to consumers. To help you decide whether – or how – to employ hydroelectric renewable energy, you should make sure you understand the basics of hydroelectric power. Water power depends on a reliable water source, generally at a lower elevation that its collection point, to produce measurable electricity. Some hydroelectricity companies find ways to use ocean tides to produce hydroelectric energy.

Study hydroelectric renewable energy basics to ensure water power supplies your needs

1. Research what hydroelectric renewable energy consists of,

2. Study how hydroelectric energy works and

3. Determine how hydroelectric energy provides benefits for your business.

 

Define the hydroelectric renewable energy basics

During the colonial days, inland cities had to use water as a power source due to scarcity of fossil fuels and wood. Water-powered grist mills and sawmills provided jobs, services and goods to early communities. Water now provides the same types of benefits, but on a larger scale.
Try: Energy Matters provides interesting information on the use of water power. This site defines types of power plants and advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power. The Union of Concerned Scientists studies the potential impacts of hydroelectric power. This website discusses how hydropower relies on the water cycle to work properly, the importance of hydroelectricity to our country, and other facts about producing electricity from dams.

Understand what makes hydroelectric renewable energy work

Electrical energy results when water flows through power-producing turbines. The typical setup consists of water behind a dam flowing through a penstock, turning a turbine attached to a generator, and flowing out the other side. The generator sends the electrical current out through an intricate network of transformers and power lines.
Try: The U.S. Geological Survey provides basic information about how water powers hydroelectric dams. This website contains a helpful animated drawing of how a dam generates electricity. How Stuff Works uses comprehensive drawings and narrative to show how hydropowered energy can exist.

Determine how hydroelectric renewable energy helps your business

Whether building your own hydroelectric plant or purchasing power from a pre-existing hydroelectric company, this type of power brings benefits to your company. If building your own plant, you might also realize other side benefits such as flood control, recreation, stock ponds, water supply and irrigation. Hydroelectric renewable energy also costs less than other energy sources such as oil, natural gas, or solar, particularly if you connect to a pre-existing power source.
Try:  Maresh Khemani developed a comprehensive series of articles on Bright Hub related to hydroelectric renewable power.  This listing gives examples of how hydropower is used, basic definitions, and comparisons of hydropower to other sources of energy. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation built and still operates the Grand Coulee Dam, the 8^th wonder of the world, creating energy from water. This Washington dam generates 6,800 MW of electricity. Originally built for flood control and irrigation, the Bureau added power after World War II. Other benefits also resulted. This system remains one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world.

 

• Building a hydroelectric plant for creating energy from water, may not provide your best option for electricity. The cost and environmental impact may outweigh benefits gained. You also may not have enough physical space for a full hydroelectric plant. Study your options carefully when considering power from dams.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---