ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview and description of the basic hydropower systems followed by a discussion of alternate hydropower systems and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis of the industry. Hydroelectric plants operate where suitable waterways are available; many of the best of the sites have already been developed. Hydropower can be controlled readily and can provide reliable base-load power for a grid. Ocean thermal energy conversion systems take advantage of the temperature differences at the surface versus deep water. Entropy systems are based on the phenomenon that electricity is generated from salinity differences between fresh water and salt water. Hydroelectric projects can be disruptive to surrounding aquatic ecosystems both upstream and downstream of the plant site. A Department of Energy hydropower resource assessment team completed a preliminary assessment of potential hydropower resources in the United States in February 1990.
