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Hydroelectric Energy: The Benefits
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by: TylerHodger
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One of the best sources of renewable, green, energy is hydroelectric energy. In fact, about 7% of the power consumption in the US is generated using hydroelectric energy. This type of energy is generated by harnessing the gravitational force of falling water. In many ways, this is not unlike the process that is used in wind turbines (using wind energy).
One common procedure to do so is by damming up water flowing in a river behind a large concrete wall. This water holds a large amount of potential energy. As it falls from the dam, it flows through a turbine with rotary blades. Electromagnets spin within the turbine as the water flows through it and a current is created. The energy is transferred to coils. These coils take the current to a transformer and the voltage is multiplied for transmission to homes and businesses through power lines.
This form of energy creation holds numerous advantages. The primary advantage is that it is environmentally friendly: it does not pollute the earth, it reduces green house gasses and global warming. Furthermore, it is potentially limitless: since water sources are constantly being replenished through rainfall, this is very efficient - unlike utilizing fossil fuels which exist in finite amounts (and will eventually run out).
Other advantages of this energy are that water is also a generally an available resource in many countries and eliminates the cost of the fuel used for this power source. Once hydroelectric power plants are built on waterways they are relatively inexpensive to operate. As the technology continues to mature, it is likely that power resource will become even more efficient and widespread.
No matter where the energy comes from: sun, wind, water, fuel or coal, we clearly are dependent on it, as it is used in a great variety of ways. Thus, using water to obtain electricity is one of the best alternatives for the reasons we mentioned. Not only it can be used to power home appliances and factories, but it could also be used to store energy which is later reused in vehicles. In conclusion: it is expected that as this technology continues to mature, it will become cheaper and more widespread.
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About the Author
Tyler Hodger has been studying and applying the utilization of renewable energy sources for decades. In this article he explained the benefits of hydroelectric energy. To read more of his articles that will describe other types of renewable energy sources, suggest ways to utilize them, and possibly even save you money, visit his website: Green Planet and Me.
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