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Hydroelectric plants use moving or falling water to turn a generator and produce electricity. They usually have generators located at the base of a dam, and they raise the level of water behind the structure. The higher the water level behind the dam, the more potential energy it has. And by releasing water, the potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy to turn the turbines which turn the generators. The height of the water is called the head of water. Hoover and Grand Coulee Dams are very high, and have a lot of head. Lest you think dams like those are the only dams producing electricity, you should be aware that there are many low head hydros around the country. There are 8 or 9 in Michigan, which is not generally associated with hydroelectric power production. There are a number of others around, too. Long ago, the waterwheel harnessed the power of moving or falling water to provide mechanical energy to turn mill stones or power other machines. As our technology evolved, we extended the idea to make it what it is today. And in the present, we see most big hydroelectric plants in the U.S. located in the west. (Niagra is a bit of an exception.) It's because the geography out west includes the high elevations as well as the water to make dam construction (with the associated hydroelectric plant) possible.

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16y ago

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