Hydroelectric power generation

This water use is the principal source of electricity in Canada today. Billions of dollars have been invested in its development. With large undeveloped hydroelectric sites still available in Quebec, Newfoundland, Manitoba, British Columbia, and the territories, this form of energy development will retain its prominent position for years to come. However, the environmental and human effects to be avoided or mitigated in such large projects make them increasingly difficult and costly to plan and build.

Water: A powerful source of energy

Hydroelectric energy is produced by the force of falling water. The capacity to produce this energy is dependent on both the available flow and the height from which it falls. Building up behind a high dam, water accumulates potential energy. This is transformed into mechanical energy when the water rushes down the sluice and strikes the rotary blades of turbine. The turbine's rotation spins electromagnets which generate current in stationary coils of wire. Finally, the current is put through a transformer where the voltage is increased for long distance transmission over power lines. In Canada, hydroelectric plants satisfy 62% of electricity demands.

See also: Industrial Water Use Survey 

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