Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hydropower refers to the generation of electricity using the force of moving water, such as rivers or waterfalls. It harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to turn turbines and generate electricity.
A turbine is a device with blades that are turned by a fluid (such as water or steam) to produce rotational motion. In hydropower plants, turbines are used to convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into mechanical energy.
A dam is a barrier built across a river or stream to control its flow and create a reservoir. Dams play a crucial role in hydropower generation by storing large amounts of water and controlling its release to drive turbines.