What is hydroelectric energy and how does it work?

How does flowing water make electricity? An engineer explains hydroelectric generation.

Brian Tarroja, Associate Professional Researcher and Lecturer of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine • conversation
Nov. 14, 2022 • ~6 min

Hydropower's future is clouded by droughts, floods and climate change – it's also essential to the US electric grid

Climate change is affecting hydropower in different ways across the country.

Lauren Dennis, Ph.D. Student in Civil Engineering and Climate Science, Penn State • conversation
May 17, 2022 • ~8 min

This Amazon dam is supposed to provide clean energy, but it's destroying livelihoods and unique species

Diverting water to a hydroelectric dam might seem eco-friendly, but the devastating consequences to local ecosystems cannot be ignored.

Sonia Magalhaes, Adjunct Professor of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Pará • conversation
Nov. 1, 2021 • ~8 min

Climate change: as mountain regions warm, hydroelectric power plants may be vulnerable

Dams built in an earlier age are suddenly vulnerable as the climate shifts.

Simon Cook, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Change, University of Dundee • conversation
June 29, 2021 • ~5 min

Energy storage technology is accelerating – but grids aren't ready for the transition

Britain's electricity sector continues to decarbonise, but its capacity to store energy lags far behind.

Jonathan Radcliffe, Senior Research Fellow, Energy Storage, University of Birmingham • conversation
March 18, 2021 • ~7 min

What makes the wind?

Wind travels all over the world. Where does it come from, and why?

Adam Sokol, Doctoral Student in Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
May 14, 2020 • ~5 min

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