Author: Kiran M

By Kiran Mahurkar, Sidwell Friends School What is Hydroelectric Energy? Hydroelectric energy is any method that uses the movement of water to generate electricity for use. It can also be referred to as hydropower, hydroelectric power, and hydroelectricity.  How Does it Work? The most common method of generating hydroelectricity is by placing turbines, devices that turn rotational energy into electricity through the use of magnets, in a place where water is flowing quickly, usually accompanied by rotors. There are three main methods that use this process to generate hydroelectricity. In the simplest method, known as “run-of-the-river,” turbines are placed in a river, usually on a dam that only partially confines water. As the water flows through the turbines, electricity is...