Running water is often used to turn turbines and generate electricity.
This called Hydoelectric Power and it supplies approximately 20% of the worlds electricity needs.
It is particularly useful in mountainous areas like Switzerland or New Zealand.
The Hover Dam in Colorado, USA is an example of Hydroelectric Power in operation.
The demand for electricity varies during the day e.g. it increases during popular TV programmes so power stations often
need to generate more power quickly. Coal fired powered power stations need time to adjust so Pumped Storage
is often used. At night, when demand is low, water is pumpled up hill to a reservoir. When needed (during periods of high demand)
it is allowed to fall back down again and the movement of water is used to turn turbines which drive powerful generators.
Dinorwig Power station on North Wales is an example of Pumped Storage
Watch video showing how the National Grid copes with extra demand
In some areas, hot rocks underground heat water to produce steam.
This water can be used to heat homes or the steam can be used to turn turbines and generate electricity.
It called Geothermal Energy and is particularly useful in volcanically active regions such as Iceland or New Zealand.
A whole town in Iceland is heated using Geothermal Energy.
A suitable location is vital for the use of most alternative energy sources including solar and wind power.
Although, these methods can make massive contributions to reducing our collective dependence on fossil fuels, it is unlikely that they
will produce enough reliable power to meet our needs.
Existing technology might improve or new alternative energy sources might be found.
Collectively, we will need reliable sources of energy and maybe nuclear power is our only option. This should fill everybody with great trepidation.
As individuals, we can make a difference. It is not diificult to use alternative energy sources to become energy self sufficient and even
produce enough energy to sell to the National Grid for a profit.
