Turbine Generators: Water Turbines
harnessing the power of moving water
A water turbine in itself is simply a rotary engine that derives it power from a source of moving water. To make a water turbine generator, we must again, take this kinetic energy, turn it to machanical energy, and then convert that energy to useable electricity. Before turbines, humans used water wheels to harness the power of moving water.
Modern water turbines are used in dams, which although mostly viewed as renewable, have negative impacts includes erosion, blocking fish migration, and even evaporation.
Regardless, there is still a reserved and better monitored push for more water power, because it is viewed as clean and renewable. It is hard to judge these results against the problems that may be caused, but there is no doubt that it certainly is cleaner power than coal!