Development Of Hydroelectric Energy example essay topic

Hydroelectricity is the electricity produced by harnessing the power of moving water. Hydroelectric energy is a renewable energy source dependent upon the hydrologic cycle of water, which involves evaporation, precipitation and the flow of water due to gravity. Canada has abundant water resources and a geography that provides many opportunities to produce low-cost energy. In fact, accessing the energy from flowing waters has played an important role in the economic and social development of Canada for the past three centuries hydroelectric energy is the main source of electricity in Canada, representing nearly two-thirds of all electricity produced. Most of this hydroelectricity comes from large projects developed by electric utilities Hydroelectricity generates about 25% of the worlds electricity Quebec is the largest producer of hydroelectric energy in Canada The picture is of bear's paw dam which located on the Bow River in Alberta, The Bears paw plant generates enough electricity to supply energy to approximately 10,700 Alberta households To generate electricity, hydroelectric facilities must have adequate river flow and a sufficient head (height for the water to fall). The best locations are waterfalls, rapids, canyons, deep valleys or river bends.

Often these locations make it easier to build compact and economic plant layouts. It's also an advantage if the site is close to a location where the electricity is consumed and there is good accessibility for construction activities. Hydroelectric dams are very high-tech but simple machines. A dam holds back water, creating a reservoir of potential power. On the upper side of the dam, a water gate is opened to let water surge through a tunnel leading to turbines. The water turns the turbines which in turn spin generators to generate electricity.

The electricity is carried through cables to wherever it's needed Canada first used water wheels to generate mechanical power that developed an industrial base in areas such as forest products, grains, and mining in the 18th and 19th century. At the end of the 19th century, hydroelectric energy contributed to the development and implementation of an electric-powered manufacturing base in Canada. Canada also started using electricity in homes and cities during this time. Newly developed hydroelectric technology used turbines and generators to convert the kinetic energy of falling water into electricity.

The development of hydroelectric energy intensified during the second part of the 20th century with the development of numerous large-scale projects. These large-scale projects further contributed to the economic and demographic development of Canada Since hydroelectricity is a renewable resource, it is an excellent alternative to such limited resources as coal. The depletion of nonrenewable resources is causing an increase in the use of hydroelectricity in Canada. There is an expected increase of 14% over the years 1995-2020. this is approximately a 0.5% increase each year. There is also a potential for 182,832 megawatts of energy for future development in Canada. Quebec alone sells more than $1 Billion (U. S) a year of hydroelectric power for distribution in N. Y state and New England Renewable energy resource It is a clean and safe source of energy They are self sustaining They create habitat for more types of fish They can act as a flood controller They are the most efficient energy source running from 90-95% efficiency Destroys forests and other ecosystems Spread water borne disease Degrade downstream fisheries and farmland o Initial investments are heavy and the specific costs are high o Time needed for construction is quite long o In low rainfall years the plant capacity is under utilized o Prevent fish from flowing freely.