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Hydroelectric Power Stations
How a hydroelectric station works
Hydroelectricity is created by falling water.
Water from reservoirs flows through the penstocks that connect the reservoir to the station. The water turns a hydraulic turbine, which rotates a generator and produces electricity.
Once the water has been through the turbine, it is directed into the exit, called a tailrace. The water is then returned to the river below the dam where it continues downstream toward its natural destination.
By holding water in the reservoir, the potential for immediate electricity is stored. Excess water from heavy rains or spring run-off can be released from the reservoir through spillway gates, if required.
