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Renewable Energy: Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power plants capture the kinetic energy of falling water to generate electricity. A turbine and a generator convert the energy from the water to mechanical and then electrical energy.
The turbines and generators are installed either in or adjacent to dams, or use pipelines (penstocks) to carry the pressured water below the dam or diversion structure to the powerhouse. Hydropower projects are generally operated in a run-of-river, peaking, or storage mode.
Related Resources
These links are provided for informational and educational purposes only. Listing of links does not constitute an endorsement by the Utah Geological Survey of products, services, or opinions described on any web pages accessible from this site, nor does it provide any guarantee of the accuracy of any data contained on those pages.
- Hydropower Program (US DOE)
- International Journal on Hydropower and Dams
- National Hydropower Association
Information
- Idaho National Laboratory Hydropower Program
- International Journal on Hydropower and Dams
- Utah Geological Survey Hydroelectric Power Information Site
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Hydroelectric Power
- U.S. Department of Energy Hydropower Information Site