Hydropower & Tidal Waves Cassidy, Kendal & Savannah

Description Hydroelectric power uses energy from the movement of water to generate electricity. Tidal power is similar to hydroelectric power, it makes use of moving water to spin a turbine to produce electricity. Hydroelectric power is considered renewable. As the tides are generated by the ongoing movements of the planet, tidal power is considered renewable.

Main Goal Tidal energy projects use tidal action to generate power while wave energy projects use wave action to generate power There is currently a renewed interest in using the ocean to generate electricity Hydropowers main goal usually is generation of inexpensive electrical power Hydropower usually produces torque on a turbine to move an electrical generator

How does it impact the environment? Generating energy from flowing water is very simple and cheap While constructing dams and turbines require high initial investments, ongoing costs are very low as the water is typically free Hydroelectric and tidal power do not produce air pollution like facilities that are powered by coal, natural gas and other non-renewable fuels Fish can be impacted if they cannot migrate upstream past dams to spawning grounds

How does it impact the world? Hydropower is considered the cheapest way to generate electricity Most of dams were built about years ago, they built these when construction costs were low. These plants are playing an important role in keeping electricity costs affordable for consumers, creating a positive impact on the economy. Hydropower plants produce extra energy, this is used to replace expensive fossil-fuel power plants, which further helps to reduce consumers electricity bills

How it mass produced, delivered or used Hydroelectric power makes about 10% of the nation's energy. Water is released from reservoirs and flows through a turbine, which spins it and activates a generator to produce electricity. The energy of the water cycle, is driven by the sun and can be tapped to produce electricity or for mechanical tasks. Hydropower uses a fuel, which is water. Since water is endless, and can be used as a recharging system, hydropower is considered a renewable energy.

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Advantages Disadvantages Hydropower is a fueled by water which is a clean fuel source. Hydropower doesn't pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels Hydropower is a domestic source of energy Since hydropower relies on the water cycle, it is driven by the sun which is a renewable power source. Hydropower plants can cause low dissolved oxygen levels in the water which is a problem that is harmful to riverbank habitats When water is not available, the hydropower plants can't produce electricity. Also fish can be effected if they cannot migrate upstream past dams to spawning grounds

Fun Facts Niagara Falls was America's first hydroelectric generating facility Over 70% of Washington state's power is from hydroelectric power Costs less than most energy sources Provides about 8% of the power in U.S. Hydropower is the only renewable energy source that can somewhat compete with fossil fuels

Works Cited "25x'25 - Why Renewables: Hydroelectric and Tidal Power." 25x'25 - Why Renewables: Hydroelectric and Tidal Power. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2016. “Environmental Impacts of Hydroelectric Power." Union of Concerned Scientists. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2016. "Hydropower." Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016. Of 2 , E. 1., and U.s. Department Of Energy ­ Energy Efficiency A. Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower (n.d.): n. pag. Web.