hydroelectricity, hydro-electricity, hydro, water, electricity, waterpower, power.

Hydro power is electrical energy produced through the power of moving water. Power obtained from the (typically gravitational) movement of water., Hydropower plants derive energy from the force of moving water and harness this energy for useful purposes.

other words for hydroelectric plant

• power station.
• station.
• atomic power plant.
• generating station.
• hydroelectric scheme.
• nuclear power plant.
• power source.
• powerhouse.

The hydraulic head is a value that measures the amount of mechanical energy available in water in a river, stream or even lake. The hydraulic head is equivalent to the water level in a static (non-flowing) water body.

A penstock is a sluice or gate or intake structure that controls water flow, or an enclosed pipe that delivers water to hydro turbines and sewerage systems. The term is inherited from the earlier technology of mill ponds and watermills.

Because hydropower plants can generate power to the grid immediately, they provide essential back-up power during major electricity outages or disruptions. In addition to a sustainable fuel source, hydropower efforts produce a number of benefits, such as flood control, irrigation, and water supply.

Hydro had the highest average construction cost per kilowatt of any generating technology installed in 2016, according to recently released data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In fact, at $5,312, it was more than double the next closest technology, which was solar at $2,434.

How green is hydropower? Hydroelectric power (hydro) is classed as a renewable energy due to the fact that it relies on the Earth’s natural water cycle’s kinetic energy to generate electricity.