Hydroelectricity

renewable energy · water power · clean electricity

Water's Mighty Push. Hydroelectric dams use the force of flowing water to spin giant turbines connected to generators, converting the water's motion into electricity. This happens when water stored high up in a reservoir is released through gates and rushes downward with tremendous power.

Powers the World. Hydropower generates about 15% of all electricity used globally, producing more clean electricity than all other renewable sources combined, including wind and solar. That's roughly 4,210 TWh of power every single year.

Instant On and Off. Unlike wind turbines or solar panels that depend on weather, a hydroelectric dam can increase or decrease how much electricity it produces in just seconds. This makes it perfect for matching electricity supply to the exact amount people need throughout the day.

Clean Energy Creation. Once built, a hydroelectric plant produces no direct waste and creates far less greenhouse gas pollution than burning fossil fuels like coal or natural gas. However, when dams flood rainforests, they can release gases stored in the soil and dead plants.