How does hydroelectric power convert moving water into electricity?

Hydroelectric power plants, such as the Three Gorges Dam, generate electricity by converting the potential energy of water into mechanical energy and finally into electrical energy.1

The process follows these steps:

• Collection: Water is stored at a higher elevation behind a dam, creating a difference in elevation known as head.1
• Conveyance: The water is directed downward through large pipes or tunnels called penstocks.1
• Conversion to Mechanical Energy: As the water exits the penstocks, its force causes turbines to rotate. These turbines use a system of blades to extract work from the flowing fluid.21
• Generation: The rotating turbines drive electric generators, which convert the mechanical energy into electricity.1
• Transmission: Transformers then increase the voltage of the electricity to make it suitable for long-distance transmission.1

This process is highly efficient and relies on the hydrologic cycle to remain a renewable energy source.1