
How Hydropower Works - Department of Energy
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is a renewable source of energy that generates power by using a dam or diversion structure to alter the natural flow of a river or other body of water.
Hydroelectric power | Definition, Renewable Energy, Advantages ...
Nov 14, 2025 · Hydroelectric power is a form of renewable energy in which electricity is produced from generators driven by turbines that convert the potential energy of moving water into mechanical energy.
Hydroelectricity - Wikipedia
Hydroelectricity, or hydroelectric power, is electricity generated from hydropower (water power). Hydropower supplies 15% of the world's electricity, almost 4,210 TWh in 2023, [1] which is more than …
Hydropower explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Hydropower is one of the oldest sources of energy for producing mechanical and electrical energy, and up until 2019, it was the largest source of total annual U.S. renewable electricity generation. …
How Does Hydropower Work? Complete Guide To Hydroelectric …
Nov 26, 2025 · Discover how hydropower generates clean electricity. Learn the complete process from water flow to power grid, including turbines, generators, and efficiency factors.
Hydroelectric Energy - Education
Oct 19, 2023 · Hydroelectric energy, also called hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity, is a form of energy that harnesses the power of water in motion—such as water flowing over a waterfall—to …
Hydroelectric Power: How it Works | U.S. Geological Survey
Jun 6, 2018 · Falling water produces hydroelectric power. So just how do we get electricity from water? Actually, hydroelectric and coal-fired power plants produce electricity in a similar way.
Facts about Hydropower
Modern hydropower plants are accelerating the clean energy transition, providing essential power, storage, flexibility and climate mitigation services. Hydropower is also a key asset for building secure, …
Hydropower Basics | NREL
Oct 8, 2025 · Hydropower is energy created from fresh, moving water. Over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks used the power in rivers and streams to rotate wooden wheels and crush grain to …
10 largest dams in the world and their incredible engineering feats
Nov 28, 2025 · Discover the world’s top 10 largest dams ranked by hydroelectric power output, and learn how these engineering giants shape global energy.