Hydroelectric power is the way to obtain electricity through the force and movement of water (potential energy or hydraulic energy).
Considered the second largest source of electrical energy in the world, it is produced through the use of hydraulic potential, that is, the power of water is used to generate energy.
This energy generation is only possible through the construction of hydroelectric plants in rivers that have a large volume of water and that present unevenness in their course. They are the ones who transform the power of water into electricity and supply it to the population.
How does the hydroelectric plant produce energy?
In hydroelectric plants, dams are built that control the force of the water, which is also known as potential energy.
When water passes through the pipelines of the plant and dams, the process of transforming potential energy (water energy) into mechanical energy (movement of the turbines).
The moving turbines are connected to a generator responsible for transforming mechanical energy into
electricity and lead it to the cables and power transformers that reach the homes.It is estimated that approximately 20% of the world's electricity is produced through hydroelectric plants.
See more about the meaning of hydroelectric plant.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power
The production of electric energy uses water in abundance, which is a natural resource considered to be renewable.
However, this is not a "clean production" of energy, mainly due to the environmental impacts generated by the installation of power plants, including in the riverside communities that live in these places.
The production of hydroelectric energy is not cheap either, as it requires a high investment in the construction of the plants.
On the positive side, compared to other forms of energy generation, the plants cause less environmental damage, since its operation is based on coal and petroleum fuel.
The Itaipu Plant has been in operation since May 1984. It is located on the Paraná River, in the border region between Brazil and Paraguay.
Hydroelectric power in Brazil
Brazil is considered the third largest producer of hydroelectric energy in the world, due to its great hydraulic potential and its abundant water resources.
Currently, around 90% of the energy generated in the country comes from hydroelectric plants and there are plants spread throughout all regions, among which the following stand out:
- Itaipu Binacional Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Paraná River, comprising part of the state of Paraná and part of Paraguay.
- Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Xingu River, state of Pará.
- Tucuruí Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Tocantins River, state of Pará.
- Jirau Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Madeira River, state of Rondônia.
- Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Power Plant: located on the Madeira River, state of Rondônia.
Also learn about other types of energy:
- Solar energy
- mechanical energy
- wind energy
- Nuclear energy
- Thermal energy
- Potential energy
- chemical energy
- Kinetic energy
- Photovoltaics
- Renewable energy
- Non-renewable energy