Because the source of hydropower is water, hydroelectric power plants must be located on a water source. Hydropower is the energy captures from moving water and it has been used since the beginning of time. They use mode turbine generators to produce electricity just as thermal (coal, oil, nuclear) power plants do. It is a renewable energy source, and the most efficient way to generate electricity. Another issue related to hydropower is that oftentimes the dams and reservoirs used to tap the natural current of water diverts resources away from local communities. You may come to ask yourself the question “where is hydroelectricity used?” and if so, we hope this article will be of use in identifying the countries that use this power source. According to National Geographic, hydroelectric power is used to power homes, offices, factories, hospitals and schools. Hydroelectric power is a preferred energy source in areas with heavy rainfall and with hilly or mountainous regions that are in reasonably close proximity to the main load centres. How a Hydro Plant Works A hydro plant uses the force of falling water to make electricity. Hydroelectric power is renewable. A typical hydro plant is a system with three parts: Hydropower is energy collected from flowing water that's converted into electricity or used to power machinery. The below sections provide further information on what hydropower actually is and how we can generate it. Hydropower is simply energy that comes from water, which can be used to generate electricity. Hydropower costs reportedly equal the lowest levelized price of electricity compared to all major renewable energy and fossil fuel sources. Hydropower is the energy captured from moving water. In both cases a power source is used to turn a propeller-like piece called a turbine, which then turns a metal shaft in an electric generator, which is the motor that produces electricity. Water constantly moves through a vast global cycle, evaporating from lakes and oceans, forming clouds, precipitating as rain or snow, then flowing back down to the ocean. Hydropower is also a renewable energy source and produces no air pollution or toxic byproducts. Because the source of hydropower is water, hydroelectric power plants must be located on a water source. It is also one of the first methods developing countries use to bring affordable electricity to rural areas. History of Hydropower Using rivers to power mechanical devices is not a new concept. Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of energy for producing mechanical and electrical energy. This can affect downstream irrigation capabilities and seriously hurt agrarian communities’ ability to … Impoundment hydroelectric plants, in particular, create recreation areas as a byproduct. These installations can provide power to an isolated home or small community, or are sometimes connected to electric power networks. Hydropower . Hydropower is the energy captures from moving water and it has been used since the beginning of time. Hydropower or water power (from Greek: ὕδωρ, "water") is power derived from the energy of falling or fast-running water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes.