Hydro-Electric Power

The first 200 words of this essay...

Hydro-Electric Power

By Daniel Goode

HEP (Hydro-electric power) is a form of generating electricity that uses the gravitational and kinetic force of falling or flowing water to produce energy. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy (energy that will not run out eventually). HEP produces no direct waste once a hydroelectric complex has been built and releases very low amounts of greenhouse gases in comparison with the use of fossil fuels to provide energy.

Although the temperature and climate varies greatly depending on location and altitude (amongst other factors), the Andes mountain range is a perfect candidate for hydro-electric power. The steep slopes and relatively warm weather lower down the mountains create powerful water flow from glacier melt and rainfall higher up in the mountains; this water flow keeps on going and there is therefore little need to transport the water back up to the top of the power plant as is necessary in some hydroelectric complexes.

The power from the water flow of the mountain rivers is harnessed by locally constructed micro hydro systems. These systems collect the water by an inlet high up in the mountains, filter the stones and