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What is Hydroelectricity?

Hydroelectricity is electricity generated by hydropower i.e., the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. The term 'micro-hydroelectricity' is used to describe installations with a capacity to generate up to a maximum of 100kW.

The energy of the flowing water is converted into mechanical energy by a turbine, and from mechanical energy to electricity by the generator. This electricity can then be either used locally, or distributed on the national grid.

With a high level of precipitation distributed throughout the year, hydroelectricity is ideally suited to the Irish climate.

What is Hydroelectricity?

The Theory of Hydroelectricity
Types of Turbines
Advantages of Hydroelectricity
Glossary of Hydroelectric Definitions