What is Hydropower? .

Hydropower is a major source of electricity. Hydro means water. The power comes from the flow of water, especially from rainwater that flows from highlands to the sea. Rivers constantly flow and water has force in its flow and current. Heavy things can also float in water flow. This power can be used. When the blades of a wooden fan are placed in a flowing river or stream, the blade turns. This movement power can be used to turn a generator and produce electricity. This is called hydropower.

For hundreds of years, people used river currents to turn wheels and get mechanical power. Waterwheels with wooden blades were used to grind grain in mills. In mountain areas, people kept such wheels in flowing streams near their homes to take mechanical advantage.