Hydropower Applications: Who Uses & Why?

- Electric utilities: Hydropower is a major source of electricity for many countries around the world. In the United States, hydroelectric power plants provide about 6% of the country's total electricity generation.

- Industrial facilities: Many industries use hydropower to power their operations, including pulp and paper mills, steel mills, and aluminum smelters.

- Municipal water systems: Hydropower can be used to pump water for municipal water systems.

- Agricultural irrigation: Hydropower can be used to pump water for agricultural irrigation.

- Residential use: Some homes use small hydroelectric systems to generate electricity for their own use.

What are the purposes of hydropower?

- Electricity generation: Hydropower is a clean, renewable source of electricity. It does not produce any greenhouse gases or other pollutants.

- Water supply: Hydropower can be used to store water for later use, such as for irrigation or flood control.

- Recreation: Hydropower reservoirs can provide opportunities for recreation, such as fishing, boating, and swimming.