1. Hydroelectricity: The Wave of the Future By: Dan Broderick & Bobby Barnhisel

2. What is Hydroelectricity? Hydroelectricity or Hydropower is the electricity obtained by harnessing the power of water flowing down from a high level Hydroelectricity or Hydropower is the electricity obtained by harnessing the power of water flowing down from a high level Hydroelectricity is a renewable resource Hydroelectricity is a renewable resource It is one of the only forms of energy that does not emit harmful toxins into the atmosphere (greenhouse gases) It is one of the only forms of energy that does not emit harmful toxins into the atmosphere (greenhouse gases) It is in some ways inexpensive It is in some ways inexpensive

3. How does Hydroelectricity work? I Dams are key components to the harnessing of hydroelectric power Dams are key components to the harnessing of hydroelectric power Water is held behind the dam causing a large pressure build up Water is held behind the dam causing a large pressure build up When the water is released through the dam, it spins the blades of a turbine When the water is released through the dam, it spins the blades of a turbine The turbine is connected to a generator The turbine is connected to a generator A rotor is located within the generator A rotor is located within the generator

4. How does Hydroelectricity work? II Large electro-magnets are attached to the rotor Large electro-magnets are attached to the rotor Large copper wires encompass the magnets Large copper wires encompass the magnets An electron flow is created in the copper coils An electron flow is created in the copper coils

5. How does Hydroelectricity work? III A: Reservoir B: Turbine C: Generator D: Transformer

6. How Much is Hydroelectricity actually used? Chart of Canada’s energy sources Chart of Canada’s energy sources Nearly 2/3 of all power is hydroelectric Nearly 2/3 of all power is hydroelectric Top 3 Hydropower users: Top 3 Hydropower users: 1 = Norway (99.9%) 1 = Norway (99.9%) 2 = New Zealand (75%) 2 = New Zealand (75%) 3 = Canada (66.6%) 3 = Canada (66.6%)

7. Benefits of Hydropower Renewable energy source* Renewable energy source* One of Earth’s most abundant resources One of Earth’s most abundant resources Inexpensive repairs & maintenance Inexpensive repairs & maintenance Very few breakdowns among the mechanical works Very few breakdowns among the mechanical works Dams  shut down immediately Dams  shut down immediately

8. More Benefits of Hydroelectricity Most efficient way to generate electricity Most efficient way to generate electricity 0.85 per kilowatt-hour 0.85 per kilowatt-hour Much cheaper than Nuclear, Fossil Fuels & Natural Gas Much cheaper than Nuclear, Fossil Fuels & Natural Gas Ability to store energy and used when needed Ability to store energy and used when needed Reservoir of water Reservoir of water

9. Downsides of Hydroelectricity Requires extensive flooding Requires extensive flooding Possible destruction of ecosystems Possible destruction of ecosystems Very expensive to build Very expensive to build Three Gorges Dam = $24.65 Billion USD Three Gorges Dam = $24.65 Billion USD Possibility of drought Possibility of drought

10. Two Most Famous Hydroelectric sources in North America Niagara Falls: Border of New York, USA & Ontario, Canada. (35 Million gallons fresh water/minute) Niagara Falls: Border of New York, USA & Ontario, Canada. (35 Million gallons fresh water/minute) Hoover Dam: Colorado River, Border of AZ & NV, USA Hoover Dam: Colorado River, Border of AZ & NV, USA

11. In Conclusion… Hydroelectricity is very capable Hydroelectricity is very capable Countries in the future may rely on water Countries in the future may rely on water Great renewable source of energy Great renewable source of energy Non-polluting Non-polluting The world is in need of alternative fuels The world is in need of alternative fuels Hydropower has already taken a substantial role Hydropower has already taken a substantial role