Hydro Energy

Hydroelectric power generation depends upon conversion of potential energy of water into electrical energy. To increase the potential energy of water, a dam is constructed, usually at a place where a river is flowing between two mountains (see the attached figure). With hills on two sides and a dam in the way, a huge catchment area is created. River water gets collected, creating a very large artificial reservoir. As the level of water in this reservoir with respect to the base of the hills becomes very large (on the order of 150 m), the water has a huge amount of potential energy stored in it. This potential energy is converted into mechanical energy by transporting water through pipes to run hydro turbines placed at the base of the hills. The turbines, in turn, run electric generators to generate electricity.

Hydroelectric projects are renewable sources of power and create no atmospheric pollution (as no fuel is burned). However, these projects have the following adverse effects :

1. Huge forest areas in the mountains are submerged, leading to vanishing of large numbers of trees, plants, wildlife, etc. This is a huge ecological cost.

2. Often, large numbers of people are displaced, leading to human suffering.

3. Creation of large, artificial bodies of water presents an increased risk of earth movement and can lead to earthquakes.

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