Hydroelectric Power Glossary

I. What is Participatory Approaches in Hydropower Planning? Participatory approaches in hydropower planning involve involving stakeholders in the decision-making process regarding the development of hydropower projects. This includes local communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant parties. The goal is to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and taken into consideration … Read more

I. What are Water Rights? Water rights refer to the legal rights to use water from a specific source. These rights are essential for various purposes, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Water rights are crucial for ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and preventing conflicts over water usage. In most countries, water rights … Read more

I. What is Run-of-the-River Hydroelectric Power? Run-of-the-river hydroelectric power is a type of hydroelectric power generation that harnesses the natural flow of a river to generate electricity. Unlike traditional hydroelectric dams, which require the construction of large reservoirs to store water, run-of-the-river systems do not impound water and instead use the natural flow of the … Read more

I. What is Hydropower? Hydropower is a renewable energy source that harnesses the power of flowing water to generate electricity. It is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy, dating back to ancient civilizations that used waterwheels to grind grain and power machinery. Today, hydropower accounts for a significant portion … Read more

I. What is Pumped Storage? Pumped storage is a type of hydroelectric power generation that stores energy by pumping water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir during times of low electricity demand. When electricity demand is high, the stored water is released back to the lower reservoir through turbines to generate electricity. This … Read more

I. What is Pico Hydropower? Pico hydropower refers to small-scale hydroelectric power systems that generate electricity using the energy of flowing water. These systems are typically designed to produce less than 5kW of power and are used to provide electricity to remote communities or off-grid locations. Pico hydropower systems are a sustainable and renewable energy … Read more

I. What is a Hydroelectric Permit? A hydroelectric permit is a legal document issued by a government authority that grants permission to construct, operate, and maintain a hydroelectric power plant. Hydroelectric power plants generate electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water, typically from rivers or dams. These permits are necessary to ensure that hydroelectric … Read more

I. What is Hydropower? Hydropower is a renewable energy source that harnesses the power of flowing water to generate electricity. It is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy, dating back to ancient civilizations that used water wheels to grind grain and power machinery. Today, hydropower accounts for around 16% … Read more

I. What is Low Impact Hydropower? Low Impact Hydropower refers to the generation of electricity through the use of water flow in rivers or streams with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. This form of hydropower aims to harness the energy of flowing water in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Unlike traditional hydropower projects, which … Read more

I. What is a River Basin? A river basin is an area of land drained by a river and its tributaries. It includes all the land and water that drains into a specific river system. River basins are essential for the health of ecosystems and provide valuable resources for human populations. They play a crucial … Read more