By: Aarya Mehta,
Alexandra Llaguno,
& Melinda Prasad
Definition: Hydroelectricity is
electricity powered by water.
 - comes from hydropower.
 - Hydropower = renewable
resource
 - Hydropower is dependent on
precipitation and elevation levels.
 * High precipitation and elevation
levels are the most sufficient.
 The movement of water as it
flows downstream creates
kinetic energy that can be
converted into electricity. A
hydroelectric power plant
converts this energy into
electricity by forcing water,
often held at a dam, through
a hydraulic turbine that is
connected to a generator.
The water exits the turbine
and is returned to a stream
or river bed below the dam.
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Air Emissions
Water Resource Use
Water Discharges
Solid Waste Generation
Land Resource Use
Increases stability and reliability of
electricity systems
Contributes to the storage of drinking water
Helps fight climate change
Generates electricity
Advantages of Hydroelectricity
1. Hydroelectricity is an infinite
fuel source
2. Efficient source
3. Hydroelectric power plants can
be use throughout the world
1. Hydroelectricity
dams are costly to
build
2. Requires certain
weather to
continue the
operation
3. Hydroelectricity
indirectly causes
greenhouse
emissions
1918-1958: 33 Major dam failures
resulting in 1680 documented
fatalities
1959-1965: 9 major dams failed
throughout the world
1976: Teton Dam failure in
Idaho
Obstruction of the
river for aquatic life
Largest Dam in the World
Three Gorges Dam: China
 Hydroelectricity drastically affects terrestrial and
marine organisms by:
- the migratory barrier
- creating changes in water temperature
- diminishing and destroying habitat
 Hydroelectricity increases greenhouse emissions.
 Relocating terrestrial habitats to higher grounds will
prevent it from getting flooded.
 Use the dam to obtain maximum water for storage
only during rainy season.
 To prevent migratory problems, pick a season where
marine life is not drastically affected (when there is no
mating season for the majority of animals.)
 Try filtering the water to prevent decaying remnants
from emitting greenhouse gases.
Works Cited
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Hydroelectric power and water. Basic information about hydroelectricity, USGS Water Science for
Schools.. (n.d.). USGS Georgia Water Science Center - Home page. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuhy.html
10 Reasons for promoting the hydroelectricity | ITAIPU BINACIONAL. (n.d.). ITAIPU BINACIONAL | A
maior geradora de energia limpa e renovável do planeta. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from
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HydroElectric Power: Risks and Rewards. (n.d.). The Electronic Universe. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from
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Continued…
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