The use of water power could also be identified as an ancient tradition common to most societies. Humans recognized early in history that flowing water could move devices, run factories and later on, produce electricity. The capture device could be a major hydro-dam, a run of river turbine, ocean wave energy, or tidal flow. Once installed, operating costs are reasonable, and as long as the water keeps flowing, then the power can be harvested.

It is even possible to use a two-reservoir system, one higher than the other, to create a hydroelectric system. This approach is called a "pumped storage system."

Turbulent Hydro-Turbine

This river-based micro-turbine can p0wer up to sixty homes, generating 15 to 100 KW of power. A fish-friendly design assures that this turbine will be a sustainable source of energy.

Wave Energy Converter

These buoys are designed to harvest kinetic energy produced by ocean waves. A lightweight system that can capture small to large wave movements intended to be installed in arrays that are connected to land via an export cable.

Innovative Hydropower Ideas

For more information see the following websites:
U.S. Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Mother Nature Network.com
Hydroworld.com