GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Hydroelectric Energy

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Energy National and global energy resources

Hydroelectric Energy

2:52 More Renewable Energy Resources
Spec 4.1.3
Previous Use of Energy Resources Next Tidal Energy
  • Water in rivers flows to lakes and oceans during the water cycle.
  • Water in lakes and seas evaporates, forming clouds that rain down, replenishing rivers.
  • The sun provides thermal energy for evaporation; water vapor cools and condenses to form rain.
  • Rain has gravitational potential energy, which converts to kinetic energy as it falls.
  • Water in rivers converts gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy, flowing back to lakes or seas.
  • Hydroelectric power harnesses kinetic energy from rivers to generate electricity.
  • A hydroelectric power station uses water's gravitational potential energy, converting it to kinetic energy to spin a turbine and drive a generator.
  • Basic understanding of hydroelectric power stations and energy changes is necessary.
  • Hydroelectric power stations are typically built into dams, which store water in reservoirs.
  • Water release from reservoirs is controlled to flow through turbines, producing electricity.
  • Economic and environmental factors are crucial when building dams and hydroelectric power stations.
  • Building a dam creates a new lake, potentially destroying the local environment.
  • Dams are expensive to build but cheap to run with large energy output.
  • Advantages of hydroelectric energy: clean, renewable, reliable, no emissions.
  • Disadvantages: expensive to build, impacts local environment, requires deforestation, and may displace people.

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