GCSE PHYSICS - What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power?

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What is Hydroelectric Power?

Generating electricity from
falling water is called hydroelectric power.

How does Hydroelectric Power Generate Electricity?

A large river which falls down a steep slope
is suitable for generating hydroelectric power.
The river is dammed at the top and the valley is flooded
creating a large reservoir (lake) of water. The water
is let out through turbines at the bottom of the dam.
The turbines turn a generator which produces electricity.

The original source of the energy is the Sun
which makes the wind blow and the rain fall.
Gravity causes the falling water to turn the turbines.

What are the Advantages of Hydroelectric Power?

1. It is renewable.

2. It is readily available. If you need more energy,
you just let out more water through the turbines.

3. It does not cause pollution.

What are the Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power?

1. Flooding the river valley will destroy the local habitat
for many of the species which live there.

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