Hydroelectric Power Plants: An Alternative Energy Source
Hydroelectric damns are built on a rivers in areas where the river experiences a large drop in elevation. The damn is constructed in such a way that near the bottom of the hydroelectric power plant a tunnel that slopes downward that pushes the water through and out to the other side. The force of the water turns the blades of the generators in the dam.
Like electricity generated by windmills, not every location is suitable for a hydroelectric power plant. A source of water must be available first. Flat areas where the rivers do not undergo a sudden drop in elevation, such as Florida, are not well suited to hydroelectric power plant construction. Purchasing the necessary land from the current owners near where the hydroelectric power plant will operate is another major expense once a suitable site is located..
Hydroelectric power plants may be more environmentally friendly than other types of electric plants, such as coal, but there is still some environmental impact because of their operation.. Companies that wish to operate a hydroelectric power plant must go through a complicated paperwork process to apply for a license. The licenses can last for 30 to 50 years, but operators must prove that the operators are prepared for changes in the river and environment in that time.
Approximately 8.3% of the electricity in use in the United States is generated by hydroelectric power plants. Often the plants will supply extra powers to the communities they serve when the demand for electrical energy is high and will act as a battery in the future. Hydroelectric power plants are often a problem for local wildlife, particularly the fish. The licensing process hydroelectric power plant operators must go through will often include their plans to reduce environmental impact. Fish ladders and other devices designed to minimize the impact of the dam have often been installed in areas where these plants exist as a result. As hydroelectric power plants generate quite a bit of heat, a way must be found to vent it. One dam's solution on the Susquehanna river is to use the heat produced as a result of the generators to heat the areas where the plants employee's will be working.
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Published by S. Landis
Born early in one February morning in 1977, the world has since graced me with its presence View profile
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2 Comments
Post a Commentwats a power plant wit energy source
I might do some research on electricity. As far as I know, it's another renewable resource like wind or nature. I was thinking about this when wondering if it's better to have gas-heated water or electricity-heated water.