Hydropower

The notion of hydropower (sometimes known as "hydro power") is certainly nothing new. The first examples of this unique technology can be traced back to ancient times when flowing water was harnessed as a form of mechanical energy. Common applications of hydropower at the time included milling flower and using a water wheel to drive a saw in order to cut wood. At the time that this article was written, an impressive 16 per cent of the world's electricity is derived from hydropower.^[1]

Still, we need to answer a handful of relevant questions. What is hydropower energy? Why is hydropower energy renewable and what sources can be employed? Why have so many governments become attracted to hydroelectric power? How will this industry continue to evolve and what are its long-term prospects? If you wish to keep abreast of the latest advancements, the information found below should be quite interesting.

What are the Basic Principles of Hydropower?

Interestingly enough, the basics of hydropower technology are rather straightforward. The most common hydropower energy definition involves the use of water in order to drive a turbine which can then be used to generate electricity.^[2] This is similar to other systems such as steam generation plants and even nuclear reactors. The main difference is that a hydropower source of energy is one of the cleanest in existence and due to the nearly ubiquitous presence of water, it also represents a sustainable approach. Hydropower can be used to generate electricity in one of two ways:

• Through the use of a standalone water wheel (one of the most traditional techniques).
• With dams and reservoirs; allowing output to be increased or decreased in accordance with customer demand. This is the most common modern method and it can be used to address large-scale consumption needs.

As we can see, the only real requirement involves the presence of large bodies of water or fast-flowing rivers. The end result is a reliable source of energy that is not dependant upon finite resources such as fossil fuels.

What is the Relationship Between Hydropower Energy and Hydroelectric Systems?

Although both of these terms are often used interchangeably, each is actually associated with a unique goal. Hydropower (in general) refers to any method that leverages the power of water in order to generate a form of mechanical energy.^[3] For example, the Greeks used water wheels in order to turn grist mills when grinding wheat. The Egyptians employed a unique system known as an Archimedes wheel to irrigate lands that were located a significant distance from the Nile River; dramatically increasing the amount of food that could be produced.

Hydroelectricity is instead one of the applications of hydropower. In this case, it involves the transformation of mechanical energy into electrical output (such as through the use of a turbine). Some of the largest hydroelectric plants in existence include:^[4]

• The Three Gorges Power Plant (China): A total output of 22.5 gigawatts
• The Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant (Brazil): 14 gigawatts
• The Xiluodu Power Plant (China): 13.86 gigawatts
• The Grand Coulee Dam (United States): 6.8 gigawatts or an annual production capacity of over 24 terawatt hours

It is now becoming clear to see why modern hydropower facilities offer so much potential in regard to the efficient generation of electricity.

A Look at the Distinct Advantages of Hydropower Energy

The most obvious advantage of hydropower is that it represents one of the cleanest sources of energy on the planet. As water tends to be abundant in many regions of the world, hydropower is also quite sustainable from a long-term perspective. From the standpoint of the average consumer, hydropower is also quite affordable; a primary reason why these systems have already been adopted in numerous locations.

Note that hydropower can also be used in synergy with other renewable sources of energy. For instance, this method can be implemented by creating energy storage using surplus hydropower to produce green hydrogen. In case the energy is needed, stored hydrogen bottles are able to power a bank of fuel cells. The versatility of nature of hydropower combined with the fact that this technology is well understood are additional advantages from a purely practical perspective.

Current Research and Advancements Within the Hydropower Industry

Similar to other cutting-edge sectors such as hydrogen fuel cell development, the hydropower industry is experiencing a proverbial "golden age" as a result of numerous innovative approaches. Ongoing research highlights a handful of notable trends such as:^[5]

• Digitisation in order to more accurately monitor input and output.
• Pumped hydropower storage to increase efficiency and availability.
• Current-controlled turbine rotors to decrease start-up and shut-down times (conserving more energy).
• Hydropower plants designed to meet the needs of smaller electrical grids.

A final salient technology involves the concept of hybrid power plants. These systems can be paired with other forms of energy storage in order to provide on-site machinery with an extra level of redundancy in the event that mains power is suddenly cut. Even as the power surplus can be used to generate fuels (for example for DMFC cells).

Current research is also being performed to better appreciate which regions of the world represent viable locations for sustainable hydropower projects.^[6] This could be particularly beneficial for societies that are currently struggling to meet increasing energy demands.

Hydropower: One Example of How Innovation Will Lead to a Sustainable Future

To be clear, hydropower may also be associated with a handful of challenges. Some of these include the cost of constructing large dams, potential disruption to local wildlife and an increased threat of droughts if water sources are diverted.^[7] However, many hydropower experts feel that these hurdles can be overcome with additional time and by adopting even more innovative approaches.

Of course, hydropower is only one example of how green technology is transforming the energy sector as we know it. Would you like to learn more about other sources of sustainable power as well as how this technology is continuing to evolve? If so, please contact SFC Energy. From our selection of EFOY Pro hydrogen storage cells to intelligent power management systems, we always aim to remain one step ahead of the curve.