Hydroelectricity Movchan Eva 9B

1.

Eva Movchan
9B
Hydroelectricity Physics

2.

Introduction
Hydroelectric energy, also called
hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity, is a
form of energy that harnesses the power of
water in motion—such as water flowing over
a waterfall—to generate electricity. People
have used this force for millennia. Over
2,000 years ago, people in Greece used
flowing water to turn the wheel of their mill
to ground wheat into flour.

3.

How Does Hydroelectric Energy
Work?
Most hydroelectric power plants have a reservoir of water, a
gate or valve to control how much water flows out of the
reservoir, and an outlet or place where the water ends up after
flowing downward. Water gains potential energy just before it
spills over the top of a dam or flows down a hill. The potential
energy is converted into kinetic energy as water flows downhill.
The water can be used to turn the blades of a turbine to
generate electricity, which is distributed to the power plant’s
customers.

4.

Positive effects of hydroelectricity
01.-
02.-
03.-
Renewable
Energy Source
Low Greenhouse
Gas Emissions
Water Supply
Hydroelectricity is a
renewable energy
source because it relies
on the water cycle (rain
and flowing rivers).
Unlike fossil fuels,
hydroelectric power
plants produce minimal
greenhouse gas
emissions, which helps
reduce the impact of
climate change.
Hydroelectric power
plants can provide a
reliable source of water
for irrigation, municipal
use, and industrial
applications.

5.

Negative effects of hydroelectricity
01.-
02.-
03.-
Environmental
Impact
Altered Water
Flow
Methane
emissions
Building dams can
disrupt local
ecosystems, affecting
fish populations, wildlife
habitat, and plant life.
Dams can alter natural
river systems, affecting
sediment transport,
water temperature, and
water quality, which can
degrade ecosystems
downstream.
The decomposition of
organic matter in reservoirs
can lead to the formation of
methane, a potent
greenhouse gas that
contributes to climate
change under certain
conditions.

6.

The Impact of Hydroelectricity on
the Environment
Environmental impact of
hydroelectric power
production/extraction
Extraction and mining activities associated with
hydropower, primarily those related to obtaining
materials for dam construction and
infrastructure development, can have several
environmental impacts. These activities often
result in habitat destruction, soil erosion, and
water pollution due to runoff from mining sites.
Extraction of materials such as gravel, sand, and
rock can disrupt ecosystems and wildlife
habitats, while the operation of heavy
machinery can lead to compaction and
environmental degradation.
The Impact of Hydroelectric
Power Station Carbon Dioxide
Emissions on the Environment
While hydropower itself is a renewable
energy source that produces low direct
greenhouse gas emissions, the
extraction and construction processes
can indirectly contribute to carbon
dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
In addition, land use changes and
deforestation associated with mining
activities can reduce carbon
sequestration opportunities.

7.

Why hydroelectricity is cost-effective
way to produce electrical energy?
-Low Operating Costs:
The operating costs of hydroelectricity are relatively low compared to fossil fuel power
plants. Water, the primary resource for hydroelectricity, is free, minimizing fuel costs.
-High Capacity Factor
Hydroelectric power plants can generate electricity at or near maximum potential for a
significant portion of the time, resulting in efficient energy production.
-Environmental Benefits:
Hydroelectric power plants produce very low greenhouse gas emissions
compared to fossil fuel sources, which contributes to long-term sustainability
and potential economic incentives related to climate policy.

8.

Environments/loсatiosfor
hydroelectricity production
Hydroelectric power production requires specific
environments and locations that include:
- Rivers or streams with sufficient flow rates and
gradients to generate energy.
- Proximity to infrastructure for electricity
transmission to reduce energy loss.
- Locations that minimize environmental impacts,
such as avoiding high biodiversity areas or regions
prone to flooding.

9.

Conclusion
Hydroelectric energy presents a viable
and sustainable method for electricity
production, with significant advantages
such as low emissions and costeffectiveness. However, its environmental
impacts must be carefully managed to
mitigate disruptions to ecosystems and
maintain overall ecological balance.