What is a hydroelectric plant?

What is a hydroelectric plant?
Water is such an abundant and necessary resource for our lives, that for thousands of years humans have taken advantage of its benefits and used it in countless activities that have contributed to the development of society as we know it today.

Such is its abundance and the force with which it can move, which in the nineteenth century began to be used as a complement to generate electricity in what we currently know as hydroelectric power, which is obtained by taking advantage of the energy of moving water (hydraulic energy) and that It can be used in all types of installations and machinery.

Naturally, this energy must be obtained, processed and stored in places specifically designed for it; This function is covered by hydroelectric plants. A hydroelectric plant is a facility that harnesses hydraulic energy to generate electricity through turbines located where the water flow flows.

These turbines, by constantly turning on the pressure and hydraulic thrust generate mechanical energy that is sent to generators where it is converted into electricity to supply various needs. The structure of a traditional hydroelectric plant is divided into 3 parts: A dam to control the water flow, a storage tank and the power plant where the energy conversion is done.

Currently, one fifth of the world's electricity is obtained in hydroelectric plants. Because the energy is obtained at a lower cost these plants enjoy great popularity, however, they can have a negative environmental impact if their construction is not done correctly and they should take into account possible impacts on world water reserves in the future in order to avoid environmental crises that affect us all.