Hydroelectric Power

Flowing water creates energy that can be captured and turned into electricity. This is called hydropower. Hydropower is currently the largest source of renewable power, generating nearly 7% of the electricity used in the United States (and 4% of the electricity used in the Kentucky).

There are thousands of hydropower dams in the United States located on many of our most important rivers and streams. These dams can create pollution-free energy, but they can also produce significant adverse impacts on fish and wildlife and other resources. Low-Impact Hydropower  is a type of hydropower that seeks to reduce the environmental impacts associated with hydropower generation.

More information about hydropower is available from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Virtual Hydropower Prospector is a web-based tool that identifies existing and potential water energy resources in the United States.