HYDROPOWER

LUCÍA & ROCÍO

IntroductionNowadays, we live in a planet that has been exploited in an extreme way and its resources have been used in large amounts.

Therefore, we need to start taking care of our planet and look for other ways of getting energy.

Hydropower is a great option to choose instead of polluting energy sources.

Why is it important?

Hydropower is now the best renewable energy source and it is used all over the world due to the advantages of it and its cost.

The world’s largest-capacity hydropower plant is located in China and it is the world leader in hydroelectricity.

How is it obtained?

It is mainly based on the water cycle.

①A power source is used to turn a turbine.

②Then the turbine turns a metal shaft in an electric generator.

③This electric generator is the motor that produces electricity.

④The hydroelectric plant uses falling water to turn the turbine.  

Advantages to hydroelectric power:

 Fuel is not burned so there is minimal pollution

Water to run the power plant is provided free by nature

Hydropower plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Relatively low operations and maintenance costs

The technology is reliable and proven over time

It's renewable - rainfall renews the water in the reservoir, so the fuel is almost always there

Popularity Worldwide 

China 6.7 %

Brazil 35.3 %

Canada Canada 26.2 %

US 2.6%

Russia 5.5 %

After the oil shocks of the 1970s, Brazil started focusing on developing alternative sources of energy.

Built on the Paraná River dividing Brazil and Paraguay, the Itaipu Dam is the world's largest hydroelectric dam. The river runs long the border of the two countries.

The original goal was to provide better management and utilization over water resources for the use of irrigation of crops.

Construction of the dam started in 1975, and the first generator was opened in 1983. Today, the dam provides over 75% of Paraguay's electric power needs, and meets nearly 25% of Brazil's electricity demands.

Hydropower in Brazil