Energy from water
Hydro power is a renewable source of energy.
Norway, Iceland and Sweden are the world's biggest consumers of hydro power. 
The power of the sun
Hydro power is driven by the sun. The sun's energy heats the surface water in lakes and large bodies of water, causing it to evaporate and rise into the atmosphere. When this steam cools, it condenses into clouds and then falls as snow or rain.
Gravity generates electricity
The water rushes along rivers and streams on its way back down to lakes and seas. At this point, its energy can be harnessed by hydro power plants.
Hydro power and the environment
Hydro power produces next to no emissions. However, the environment around the power plant is affected by the plant, dams and reservoir.
The future
Hydro power is inexpensive and long-lasting, and has hardly any effect on the environment once operational. These advantages mean that hydro power will remain an important source of energy in the future.
Share of hydro power used in electricity generation:
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