1. By: Zach Riedy

2.  Electricity generated by harnessing the power of the gravitational force of moving water.  It is the most widely used form of renewable energy.

3.  To create a renewable source of energy that is not only reliable, but also clean and environmentally friendly.  To create an alternative energy source to fossil fuels. Hoover Dam

4.  Hydropower has been used for hundreds of years starting with simple water wheels and watermills.  Hydroelectric power now supplies about 750,000 megawatts, or about 19% of the worlds electricity.  Hydropower makes up 99.1% of all the renewable energy sources used.

6. Potential Energy Kinetic Energy Electrical Energy Mechanical Energy Electricity

7.  There are still large dams being built, but fewer and fewer good sites remain in the world to install new capacity.  In the U.S. we have dammed up almost all major rivers, but there are still sites where small-scale hydro or micro-hydro power plants can be created.  Hydroelectricity supplies the U.S. with 7.5% of our power needs.

8.  Located on the Gordon River in Tasmania, this dam meets 13% of the islands power needs.

10.  The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China is the worlds largest dam, spanning over 7,600 ft. with a height of 600 ft..  It be fully functional sometime in 2011 after being under construction since 1994.  The dam will supply China with over 22,500 megawatts of power.  The construction of Three Gorges Dam has met with a lot of criticism due to its potential environmental issues.

12.  Hydropower is fueled by water, so it’s a clean fuel source.  It doesn’t pollute like fossil fuel burning power plants.  Dependent on the water cycle, which is renewable.  Well developed technology.  Creates large reservoirs that can serve as recreational areas.

13.  Can block the travel and migration of wildlife.  Destroys forests, agricultural land, and recreation areas by creating a large reservoir.  Alters stream flow causing disruptions in plant and animal ecology.  Can displace homes that lie within the rivers new flood plain.

14.  Dams are a huge investment as they are expensive to build and have long construction periods.  In modern times they are relatively cheap to operate due to high levels of automation.  Many dams are/were built to last only 50 years so the cost to repair them is high as well.

15.  www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and- you/affect/hydro.html  library.thinkquest.org/26366/text/alternative /hydro.html  http://www.actewagl.com.au/Education/ener gy/RenewableEnergy/Hydroelectricity/Advant agesOfHydro.aspx http://www.actewagl.com.au/Education/ener gy/RenewableEnergy/Hydroelectricity/Advant agesOfHydro.aspx  http://www.energyrefuge.com/archives/hydr o-electricity.htm