6.9 Hydroelectric Power

Describe the use of hydroelectricity in power generation.

• Hydroelectric power can be generated in several ways. Dams built across rivers collect water in reservoirs. The moving water can be used to spin a turbine. Turbines can also be placed in small rivers, where the flowing water spins the turbine.
• Tidal energy uses the energy produced by tidal flows to turn a turbine.
• Enduring understanding ENG-3: Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences.

Describe the effects of the use of hydroelectricity in power generation on the environment.

• Hydroelectric power does not generate air pollution or waste, but construction of the power plants can be expensive, and there may be a loss of or change in habitats following the construction of dams.
• Enduring understanding ENG-3: Humans use energy from a variety of sources, resulting in positive and negative consequences.