Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is a renewable source of energy that generates power by using a dam or diversion structure to alter the natural flow of a river or other body of water.

At hydropower plants water flows through a pipe, or penstock, then pushes against and turns blades in a turbine that spin to power a generator to produce electricity.

Hydropower (from Ancient Greek ὑδρο -, "water"), also known as water power or water energy, is the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity or to power machines.

What is hydropower? Learn its key benefits, how it works and the role hydropower plays in the global energy transition to clean electricity.

5 days ago · hydroelectric power, electricity produced from generators driven by turbines that convert the potential energy of falling or fast-flowing water into mechanical energy.

Hydropower is electricity generated by moving water. It works by channeling water through turbines that spin a generator, converting the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water into electrical power.

Apr 14, 2026 · Hydropower generation in 2025 increased to 245 billion kilowatt-hours, about 4 BkWh more than the record-low generation year 2024. “In 2026, we expect generation will be 259 BkWh, …

Mar 16, 2026 · Commission's Responsibilities In 1920, Congress passed the Federal Water Power Act, which gave the Federal Power Commission (FPC), the Commission’s predecessor, its original …

Nov 26, 2025 · Discover how hydropower generates clean electricity. Learn the complete process from water flow to power grid, including turbines, generators, and efficiency factors.

America’s first renewable provides clean, carbon-free energy to roughly 30 million homes, and 40 percent of U.S. renewable electricity, all while providing the flexibility needed to integrate increasing …