What is Hydropower?Hydropower is a method of harnessing the power of water in many forms. Between using potential energy stored in reservoirs or the energy stored in waves, hydropower is a very effective renewable energy source for large amounts of electricity. There are three main types of hydropower: Reservoir, run-of-river, and pumped-storage. Reservoir hydropower is probably what you think of first: ex- the Hoover Dam impoundment. Run-of-river allows water to continually flow downstream while generating electricity. The last type, pumped storage, pumps water into reservoirs with greater elevation during the nighttime (electricity is cheaper at night), and allows the reservoirs to flood back down through turbines during the daytime generating electricity (this electricity is more expensive because it is created during peak hours).
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