Unit 6.9: Hydroelectric Power

Kinetic energy of moving water —> spins a turbine —> turbine power generator

How a hydroelectric dam works

Water Impoundment

dam built in a river creates a large artificial lake behind the dam (reservoir)

Run of River System

a dam diverts the natural current of a river through man-made channel beside the river

Tidal Power

tidal ocean flow turns turbine (coastal areas only)

Ecological Impacts of Hydro Dams

reservoir floods habitats behind dam and sedimentation changes upstream and downstream conditions

Environmental Impacts of Hydro Dams

FF combustion during construction, increased evaporation, methane release

Economic Impacts of Hydro Dams

home & business relocation from reservoir flooding, construction is expensive, loss of ecosystem services

Fish Ladders

cement steps or series of pools that migratory fish like salmon can use to continue migration upstream, around or over dams

Benefits of Hydro Dams

No GHG emissions when electricity is produced, controls downstream seasonal flooding