The United States, Canada and Europe all use hydroelectric power to fuel massive electrical grids. Producing hydroelectric power is cost-effective, low polluting, renewable, and allows us to generate electricity relatively cheaply.

Canada uses the highest amount of actual hydroelectric power, followed by the United States, and then Europe. Hydroelectric power is formed from water turning giant turbines thus creating electricity. Some good examples of hydroelectrical power generating plants are Hoover Dam and the series of Dams along the Colorado River. Niagra Falls is also an example of a huge hydrogeneration plant that provides power for many electrical needs.

The use of hydrogenerators has been around since ancient times. In rural areas of the country, you would see sawmills, flour mills, and other manufacturing devices that settled next to rivers and other fast moving running water sources. Wheels with paddles were built to harnass the power of the rushing water. As the water flowed by, the water turned the wheel paddles. This in turn, turned gears inside thus generating electrical power. This was the first form of hydroelectric power. Unfortunately, the old “mills” had limitations – the interior machinery could only turn as fast as the paddles would move with the force of the water. Nowadays, hydroelectric dams with huge turbine generators allow a better flow of energy to be created and distributed along massive electrical grids.

Dams such as Hoover dam were built to provide massive amounts of electrical power to their customers. To create electricity, huge turbines are installed in the heart of the dam. As rushing water is passed over the turbines, energy is created. This newly generated electricity is then sent on its way through traditional methods such as power grids and power lines to distribution points.

Nowadays, not only are we trying to use more hydroelectric power, but we’re also watching how damning certain areas and water diversion patterns affect the ecological balance in an area. To make dams more ecologically friendly you will find fish ladders and plant relocation projects to make sure that the environmental damage is as minimal as possible.

Hydroelectric power as an alternate power is a good renewable resource source when there is a good supply of fast moving water available. Today not only do we see hydroelectric power plants, but we also see solar power plants and wind farms as the wave of the future. Most dams offer tours of the inner workings of the dam. These tours can be most insightful and can help you understand how hydroelectric power is generated and made available to local customers. Many of these tours are even free or very low cost. If you have the opportunity to take one of these tours, spend a half hour to an hour to take the tour. Seeing the inner workings of one of the great dams is most insightful. You will undoubtedly be glad you did!

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