Hydroelectric power
Hydroelectric power uses the kinetic energy of moving water to make electricity. Dams can
be built to stop the flow of a river. Dams are built across larger rivers but no reservoir
is made. The river is simply sent through a hydroelectric power plant or powerhouse.
Hydro is one of the largest producers of electricity in the United States.
Water power supplies about 10 percent of the entire electricity that we use. In states
with high mountains and lots of rivers, even more electricity if made by hydro power. In
California, for example, about 15 percent of all the electricity comes from hydroelectric.
The state of Washington leads the nation in hydroelectricity. The Grand Coulee, Chief
Joseph and John Day dams are three of six major dams on the Columbia River. About 87
percent of the electricity made in Washington state is produced by hydroelectric
facilities. Some of that electricity is exported from the state and used in other states. |
