kinetic energy in flowing water, which is used to spin a generator that creates electricity. The most common type of hydroelectric power plant uses a dam on a river to store water in a reservoir. Also called hydroelectric power or hydropower.
Pros
Carbon free energy generation 24/7/365.
Cons
Can be severely limited by drought leading to increased usage of fossil fuel-based generation and associated emissions; can negatively impact river life.
Real Talk
Where accessible, hydropower is an ideal renewable energy replacement for baseload power generation such as coal and nuclear.