Hydroelectric Power - GCSE Geography Definition

Hydroelectric power is a way of generating electricity by using the energy of flowing water. Dams are built across rivers and the water then flows through turbines. As the water moves the turbines, they turn a generator which produces electricity. This method is popular because it uses a renewable resource—water. It's also clean, which means it doesn’t pollute the air like some other types of energy. Hydroelectric power stations can quickly adjust the amount of electricity they produce, making them useful for meeting changing energy needs.