Question

What is the importance of hydropower plants in India? Describe how electric energy generated in such plants.

Answer 1

1.Hydro power plants are of prime importance as about 25 per cent of our energy requirement in India is met by hydro power plants.

2.Generation:

1.A high rise dam is constructed at a suitable place on the river to obstruct the flow of water and thereby, collect water in larger reservoirs. Due to rise in water level the kinetic energy of flowing water is transformed into potential energy of stored water.

2.The water from the high level in the dam is carried through sluice gates and pipes to the turbine of electric generator, which is fitted at the bottom of the dam. Due to flowing water, turbine is rotated at a fast rate and hydel electricity is produced.

3.A hydro power plant converts the potential energy of falling/stored water into electricity.