By Grace Stefani and Evan Flynt Hydropower By Grace Stefani and Evan Flynt

Hydro power compared to other energy sources

Reliability In the late 19th century, hydropower became a source for generating electricity.  In 1882, the world’s first hydroelectric power plant began operating in the United States in Appleton, Wisconsin. The energy generated through hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the sun, making it a renewable power source, making it a more reliable and affordable source than fossil fuels

Efficiency  Hydroelectric power is a very efficient and inexpensive. "Modern hydro turbines can convert as much as 90% of the available energy into electricity. The best fossil fuel plants are only about 50% efficient. In the US , hydropower is produced for an average of 0.7 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Hydroelectric power provides almost one-fifth of the world's electricity.  More than 70 percent of the electricity made in Washington State is produced by hydroelectric facilities.

Durability A dam's life span is anywhere 50-150 years. Hydroelectric powerplants are reliable and durable. The machinery involved has relatively few moving parts. Because excessive heat is not produced, cycling has a minimal effect on machinery, which contributes to long life and low maintenance. Unplanned outage rates for hydroelectric units are the lowest in the electric industry.

Environmentally Reasonable The water behind the dam flows through an intake and pushes against blades in a turbine, causing them to turn. The turbine spins a generator to produce electricity.  The electricity can be transported through long-distance electric lines to homes, factories, and businesses. Hydropower is fueled by water, so it's a clean fuel source, meaning it won't pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas

Culturally Respectful It's an irrigation system for many towns and villages Many fish and other types aquatic animals can pass through safely without any problems 

Easily Accessible Hydropower is the cheapest way to generate electricity today. A typical hydro plant is a system with three parts: an electric plant where the electricity is produced, a dam that can be opened or closed to control water flow, and a reservoir where water can be stored. 

Conclusion Our dam that we would want to put into the Snoqualmie River is an excellent choice for our start to clean energy. Its affordable, reliable, efficient, durable, environmentally reasonable, culturally respectful, and easily accessible.  This product will not only be useful, but make Duvall clean and green.

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