The Earth offers us renewable and non-renewable resources that can be used to generate energy. For example, did you know that water can be used to generate electricity? In addition, it is a renewable resource that occupies 70% of the planet’s surface and is of special importance for the functioning of the planet and the living beings that inhabit it.
If you want to know more about hydraulic energy, also called hydroelectric energy, know how the power plants that produce it work and also learn in detail some examples of hydroelectric plants, continue reading this article from Green Ecology in which we talk about what hydraulic energy is and examples .
What is hydropower?
Hydroelectric power is one of the oldest forms of energy, which has become increasingly more efficient with the advancement of technology. It is part of renewable energy and is the one that generates the most electricity in the world. Here we explain much more about whether hydroelectric power is really renewable or not.
To generate this energy , the movement of water flowing through rivers and other bodies of water is used . In general, this movement, which is what gives what is known as the kinetic energy of water , is produced by the fall of water, which is why the areas where the power plants are located must have a slope. When the water falls, it moves a turbine that generates the electrical energy that will be injected directly into the electrical grid.
How hydropower works and types of hydroelectric power plants
The operation will depend on the model of hydroelectric power plant and these vary according to the place where they are located. Taking this into account, we find that there are three types of hydroelectric power plants and this is how hydraulic energy works in them:
Run-of-river power plants
They are located on land with little slope and no reservoir. The river flow must be stable to ensure the power required for the whole year. During periods of abundant rainfall, the maximum power is generated and in drier periods, the power is lower, sometimes zero due to a complete drought in some rivers.
Reservoir power plants
These plants have more than one dam to store water. These plants require a greater financial investment, but they have the advantage that, by being able to accumulate water, in times of drought, even if the river dries up completely, they can use the stored water and continue generating energy.
Pumped or reversible power stations
These two reservoirs are located at different levels and rationalize water resources because, depending on the time of day, the demand for energy is greater or lesser. When demand is high, water falls from the reservoir located at the upper level, causing the turbines to rotate, and this water is stored in the lower reservoir. However, when demand is lower, pumping is done to the upper reservoir so that the energy generation cycle can occur again.
After knowing all this, we believe it is also interesting to discover What mini-hydraulic energy is and how it works with this other post.
Examples of hydropower and its power plants
We will mention some of the hydroelectric power plants that are located throughout the world as examples of hydraulic energy :
- Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant: Located at Niagara Falls, taking advantage of the large waterfall there, this power plant was the first to be built in the world.
- Salime Reservoir: This reservoir is located in Spain, in the city of Asturias. It is supplied by the Navia River, and it is true that the riverbed had to be changed. It produces 350 GWh per year for the population.
- Three Gorges Dam: you’ve probably heard the name of this dam before, as it is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, producing a huge power of 24,000 MW. It is located in China and is fed by the Yangtze River. It was completed in 2012, although 19 cities and some towns were flooded, causing the evacuation of all their inhabitants.
- Itaipú Dam: This project is led by Brazil and Paraguay as it is located on the border where the Paraná River passes. It generates up to 14,000 MW and began operating in 1984.
- Xilodu Dam: This is also located in China, on the Jinsha River, and has the capacity to produce up to 13,860 MW of electricity, but it also controls the riverbed to prevent flooding and to make navigation easier.
- Yacyretá-Apipé Dam: It is located in an area that belongs to Argentina and Paraguay, on the Paraná River, just like the Xilodu Dam. Of all the energy that Argentina requires, 22% comes from this dam with a capacity of 3,100 MW. This dam brought with it many controversies with its construction, since it had a great impact on the biodiversity of the area, causing the extinction of endemic species.
Although it is true that hydroelectric power plants have great advantages, there are still some disadvantages such as the impact on the biodiversity that belongs to the territory where they are built, or that they can cause the flooding of nearby towns. This means that producing this energy is not entirely sustainable, even if it comes from a renewable resource. In this other article from Green Ecology you can learn about the Advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic energy .
