Hydropower is a well-proven technology that has been utilised throughout the world, by a diverse range of societies and cultures, for many centuries.

Water power has already played an important role in the past and is a significant source in present worldwide energy supply.

Around 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. There are different ways in which water can be used as a source of energy and humans have been exploiting this power for many centuries.Before the advent of steam power, waterwheels were one of the main sources of power, and so industry and villages were often based near a river.

The first water wheels were used for irrigation over 2000 years ago. Early waterwheels were driven by the flow in rivers or tides and used to grind cereals in mills, or to drive industrial machinery. By the Industrial Revolution their use was extensive.

In the UK, water mills are known to have been in use 900 years ago. Their numbers grew steadily and by the 19th century, there were over 20,000 in operation in England alone.

Hydropower systems convert potential energy stored in water held at height to kinetic energy, or the energy used in movement, to turn a turbine and produce electricity.

Useful power may be produced from even a small stream.

Hydropower requires the water source to be relatively close to the site of power usage, or to have a suitable connection to the national grid.

As an energy resource it can be divided into three main areas:

hydroelectricity, tidal power, and wave power.

Links for Further Information:

http://www.brit-hydro.cwc.net

http://www.hydropower.org

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk