Essay On Hydropower

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What is Hydroelectric Power (H.E.P.)? Hydropower is the power/electricity, which is generated form energy of water flow. This source of power is considered to be renewable energy as it is constantly refilled due to the water cycle. In addition to the water cycle, hydropower is dependent upon stored gravitational energy. A rock on top of a hill contains potential energy because of its position. If a force pushes the rock, it rolls down the hill because of the force of gravity. Potential energy is then converted to kinetic energy until it reaches the bottom of the hill and stops.

HPE history: Humans have used the power of moving water for over 2,000 years. The first references to watermills are found in Greek, Roman, and Chinese texts. They described vertical waterwheels in rivers and streams. …show more content…

Small hydropower has been developed by many countries, especially the developing countries. Compared to large hydropower, it takes less time and efforts to integrate small hydro schemes into local environments. It has been increasingly used in many parts of the world as an alternative energy source, especially in remote areas where other power sources are not viable. These power systems can be installed in small rivers or streams with little or marginal environmental effect. Most small hydropower systems do not require the construction of a dam, but are rather run of river schemes. Small hydro in isolated systems may be also connected to grid, if available at a later date. Such integration with a grid shall improve the total benefits of hydropower projects and quantum shall be as per site-specific conditions. Comparative advantage of the small hydro has already resulted in a large number of these installations all over the world. The success of the small hydro option depends on careful selection and timely completion of the best sites. The redundancies in terms of stake are reduced. All