Hydroelectric power is another example of alternative energy that produces efficient electricity that can be used in large cities, in industries, and in remote towns. Its principle is based on storing large volumes of water and then letting it run, producing kinetic energy that will move large turbines in a hydroelectric power station, the same ones that will generate electricity.
Hydroelectric or hydraulic energy is considered a renewable and clean energy, and its advantage lies in the fact that it is the most widely used electricity generation method, especially in areas with large mountain ranges and hydrographic basins. You can know all its advantages and disadvantages in the next article.
All the most important uses of hydroelectric energy are explained below.
Uses of hydropower
Uses in electricity generation
The power of energy generation through hydraulic energy is gigantic, of course depending on the size of the hydroelectric complex, but for the most part its production capacity is very high.
This source supplies more than 16% of the energy consumed worldwide, being the renewable source with greater electricity production.
The energy generation of hydroelectric energy is based on the use of the force of the river flow that mobilizes a turbine, to start the process of producing kinetic energy that is transformed into electrical energy.
Although it sounds simple, in reality it is not, since it is a complex process to increase the force of the flow under a series of modifications to the river, in addition to the construction of a dam and a complex for energy generation.
Uses in heavy industries
Given its great energy power and its minimal environmental impact, hydroelectric power is frequently used to supply heavy industries, which have a large consumption of electricity.
Steel complexes, primary aluminum reducers, iron reduction plants and other heavy industries have a high energy expenditure, which is why they must be fed through hydroelectric power for economic reasons, since they would be unprofitable if they were to run on electricity supplied by fossil fuel-based power sources.
On some occasions these industries have their own hydroelectric power station at the disposal of their energy consumption.
Supplies power to remote areas
Hydroelectric energy is ideal for populations far from the energy distribution network and that have a river for their energy use.
The implantation of this energy source in these places offers independent power supply, which can be complemented by an irrigation system for your crops.
Rehabilitation of other energy production centers
The high performance obtained in the energy transformation processes by this source means that it is used exclusively for energy supply in a national network, including there are cases of the sale of surplus energy to other countries.
But this energy is also used for the operational and productive rehabilitation of other hydroelectric plants that are inactive to be reintroduced as production units.
Provides water supply for vegetation
This type of energy requires at certain times to release large amounts of water from the reservoirs due to the risk of an overflow.
In this sense, this water that is extracted from the reservoir can be used for the water consumption of the agricultural, livestock and forestry systems close to the energy complex.
This water is completely clean because it comes from a well-kept natural source.
Allows the construction of new plants
A large-capacity hydroelectric complex is always accompanied by other hydroelectric plants with less generation capacity, but which still have an important energy contribution.
The The intention is to reuse the flow of water that comes out of the hydroelectric complex with the largest capacity, since this water can be used again for energy generation.
Obviously, this water lacks a great force in its flow due to losing its speed and thrust as it passes through the energy generation systems.
Allows livestock use
Hydroelectric power plants not only generate electricity, they are also used as reservoirs for different species of fish.
This action is promoted to encourage livestock production in the reservoir, to the benefit of the nearby populations of the hydroelectric complex.
Power tourist sites
Hydroelectric plants can also be used as tourist sites for the visiting public and residents who are passionate about nature.
In this sense, the reservoirs are places of spectacular beauty, which is why they can be used as spas, a place to boat rides and as an area for sports aquatic.
While the hydroelectric complex, being an impressive civil structure, can be used as recreational and cultural center, to inform about this energy source and other topics of general interest.
Irrigation system in nearby areas
Hydroelectric plants not only provide nearby areas with electrical energy, but also make a heartfelt contribution to their social welfare.
This support is manifested with the implementation of irrigation system in the nearby areas of the complex energy, to promote agriculture.
These irrigation systems also serve as a spillway to the reservoir to generate water circulation so that it does not remain only within the reservoir.
It is an energy supplement
Due to its high production, hydroelectric energy is widely used to supplement other sources that have difficulties in meeting the increases in electricity demand.
This is due to the fact that sometimes the energy sources have problems to cover the energy demand, therefore it requires the help of hydropower to make up for supply failures.