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You need a difference in height to drive the water turbines, so usually a dam is built with the power house at a lower level than the artificial lake formed by the dam. A flat area would not be any use, but you don't need a mountainous one either, just a few hundred feet in elevation.

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Is it a better option to produce electricity as compared to hydroelectric power stations?

Hydroelectric power stations certainly have their advantages and disadvantages, as do all forms of electrical generation. Probably the best solution is to use a combination of different means of producing electricity, with hydroelectric stations as part of the mix.


Why does tidal power stations cost more than hydroelectric power stations?

Tidal power stations require specialized technology to capture energy from changing tides, which is still in the early stages of development and more expensive to build and maintain compared to traditional hydroelectric power stations. Additionally, tidal power stations face more technical challenges due to the harsh marine environment, increasing their construction and operation costs.


Can traditional power stations be switched on and off at will?

No, they can't, they have to be powered up and down over several hours - especially nuclear power stations. This is why hydroelectric power stations are so useful to deal with surges in power demand, they can go from zero to full in seconds - Dinorwig Hydroelectric powerstation is the fastest, taking 12 seconds to go from 0 - 1,320 mw.


Which part of the UK is best for building hydroelectric power stations?

Scotland is the best part of the UK for building hydroelectric power stations due to its abundant water resources, rugged terrain, and existing infrastructure for hydropower development. Additionally, the Scottish government has set ambitious renewable energy targets, making it a supportive environment for hydroelectric projects.


Where does hydro energy come form?

Hydroelectric energy comes from the potential energy of water stored in dams or flowing in rivers. This energy is converted into electricity through turbines connected to generators in hydroelectric power stations.

Related Questions

How many hydroelectric power stations are there in Britain?

There are around 2,000 hydroelectric power stations in Britain. These power stations generate renewable energy by using the flow of water in rivers and streams to turn turbines and produce electricity.


Why do hydroelectric power stations have to be built in hilly areas?

I don't know about hilly areas (many stations are next to dams), but they have to be built where the water flows through the turbines by gravity (i.e., does not have to be pumped).


Why are there few hydroelectric power stations in UK?

because the conditions for a hydroelectric power stations in the uk aren't right so only a few can be built.


What is hydroelectric power stations?

A power station that harnesses power from running water.


Is it a better option to produce electricity as compared to hydroelectric power stations?

Hydroelectric power stations certainly have their advantages and disadvantages, as do all forms of electrical generation. Probably the best solution is to use a combination of different means of producing electricity, with hydroelectric stations as part of the mix.


What is Hydroelectric power?

Moving water can be used to generate electricity in hydroelectric power stations.


Why do you think that hydro stations are always in mountainous areas?

Hydroelectric power is created by water falling against a turbine by the force of gravity. If the water doesn't have a high place to fall from, there won't be any power.


Why does tidal power stations cost more than hydroelectric power stations?

Tidal power stations require specialized technology to capture energy from changing tides, which is still in the early stages of development and more expensive to build and maintain compared to traditional hydroelectric power stations. Additionally, tidal power stations face more technical challenges due to the harsh marine environment, increasing their construction and operation costs.


Which parts of the UK are best for building hydroelectric power stations?

i don't now so haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa


Why is the control gate built near the dam in hydroelectric power stations?

for the passage of flood discharge


How a hydroelectric plant works?

Hydroelectric power plants or H.E.P stations use a flowing river to turn a turbine which powers the genertator much like other power sources to create electricity. The water is then returned to the river. H.E.P stations can also be in a reservoir.


How is hydroelectric energy be used in homes and businesses?

Whether the electricity is generated by conventional power stations, or hydroelectric power generation, the electricity used in homes and businesses will still be the same, and used the same.