Hydropower is the energy that is created by the natural flow of water. This energy can be harnessed and converted into electricity, transforming the energy without impacting or reducing the source. This makes hydropower a truly renewable energy.

Hydropower is viable as the water cycle (also referred to as the hydrologic cycle), the circulation of water on, below and above the Earth’s surface, is continual and constant. The energy present in water is usually harnessed by exploiting gravity when water falls from one level to another.

Hydropower remains the only method of generating and storing large quantities of electrical energy for on-demand, instant use. This is achievable by the construction of a hydroelectric dam. This involves amassing water in a reservoir next to a dam and channelling the natural flow of water from a height to a central power plant situated below. The flow of water powers the turbines blade that drive the rotor section of the electricity generator, and electricity is generated when the rotor’s wire coils brush against the generators stationary coil.

This process can be adjusted to account for peak times, generating extra power to cater for additional electricity demand.

For more information about ALTEN GROUP’s Hydropower projects, please contact us.