Importance of Hydro Power

Abstract: Hydro power or water power is power derived from the energy of falling water or fast running water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes. In the late 19th century, hydropower became a source for generating electricity. Hydropower is the most important and widely used renewable source of power. Hydropower represents about 16% of total electricity production. The hydro power reserves of India have been estimated by the Central Water and Power Commission. It is estimated that there is potential for installing 411180 MW. In hydro power plants energy of water is utilised to move the turbines which in turn run the electric generators. The energy of water utilised for power generation may be kinetic or potential. Earlier hydroelectric plants have been used as exclusive source of power, but the trend is towards use of hydropower in an interconnected system with thermal stations.

Keywords: Conduit hydroelectricity, Hushing, Hydropower, Pumped storage hydroelectricity, Run-off-the river hydroelectricity.