About Hydro-Electricity
The movement of water as it flows downstream creates kinetic energy
that can be converted into electricity. A hydroelectric power plant converts
this energy into electricity by forcing water, often held at a dam, through a
hydraulic turbine that is connected to a generator. The water exits the turbine
and is returned to a stream or riverbed below the dam. Hydropower is one of the oldest
sources of energy. It was used thousands of years ago to turn a paddle wheel for
purposes such as grinding grain. Our Nation's first industrial use of hydropower
to generate electricity occurred in 1880, when 16 brush-arc lamps were powered
using a water turbine at the Wolverine Chair Factory in Grand Rapids,
Michigan.
that can be converted into electricity. A hydroelectric power plant converts
this energy into electricity by forcing water, often held at a dam, through a
hydraulic turbine that is connected to a generator. The water exits the turbine
and is returned to a stream or riverbed below the dam. Hydropower is one of the oldest
sources of energy. It was used thousands of years ago to turn a paddle wheel for
purposes such as grinding grain. Our Nation's first industrial use of hydropower
to generate electricity occurred in 1880, when 16 brush-arc lamps were powered
using a water turbine at the Wolverine Chair Factory in Grand Rapids,
Michigan.