Hydroelectric (hydropower) is a generator that relies on potential and kinetic energy from water to generate electrical energy. By 2015 hydropower generates 16.6% of the world's total electricity and 70% of all renewable energy, [1] and is expected to rise 3.1% annually over the next 25 years.
Renewable energy
Wind turbine
Biofuel
Biomass
Geothermal
Water energy
Solar energy
Tidal energy
Wave energy
Wind energy
Water power is generated in 150 countries, and the Asia-Pacific region generates 33% of global hydro power by 2013. China is the largest producer of hydropower (920 TWh in 2013) contributing 16.9% of domestic electricity needs.
The cost of hydroelectric power is relatively low, making it a competitive source for renewable energy. The plant does not consume water, unlike coal or gas plants. The average electricity cost for power plants larger than 10 megawatts is 3 - 5 US cents per kilowatt-hour. [2] With the dam and reservoir also make it a flexible source of electricity because the electricity generated can be raised or lowered as needed. When a hydropower complex is built, it does not generate direct waste and relatively lower greenhouse gas levels than a fossil fuel power plant. [3]
The main form of this type of power plant is a generator that is connected to a turbine driven by the kinetic power of water. However, broadly, hydroelectric power is not only limited to water from a reservoir or waterfall, but also includes a power plant that uses hydropower in other forms such as wave power.
In many parts of Canada (the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador) hydroelectricity is widely used. The centers of power undertaken by these provinces are called BC Hydro, Manitoba Hydro, Hydro One (formerly "Ontario Hydro"), Hydro-Québec, and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Hydro-Québec is the world's largest hydro power producer, with total installed electricity of 31,512 MW (2005).
