The electricity produced by hydel power is very cheap and reliable. It is, however, restricted to the areas near rivers and seas where dams can be built.
The hydroelectric plants can be built in such a way that they do not affect the flow of the river. Dams also play a very important role in irrigation as the water flow can be directed to different places based on need.
Rain water or river water stored in dams. The falling water flows through pipes inside the dam over turbine blades placed at the bottom of the dam. The moving blades then turn the generator to produce electricity. This is called hydro-electricity.
Water discharged after the generation of electricity is used for irrigation. 1/4th of the world’s electricity is produced by hydel power.
Leading producers of hydel power in the world-Paraguay, Norway, Brazil, and China. Important hydel power stations in India-Bhakra Nangal, Gandhi Sagar, Nagarjunsagar and Damodar valley projects.
