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How hydro power works

Hydropower is a powerful technology for Washington state’s clean energy transition . To make electricity, water rushes through a pipe where it rotates a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator, which converts hydro energy to electricity.

Most hydropower systems use the earth’s natural water sources to operate, 和 it is an important source of power, but it still has challenges. Hydropower can have a negative impact on wildlife 和 cultural practices. 然而,, some hydropower plants have had amazing success using innovative technologies to bring salmon rates back up, 比如 贝克河.

Where hydropower is made

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) owns 和 operates two hydropower projects in Washington: 贝克河 和 斯诺夸尔米瀑布. These projects use dams to keep water in a reservoir where it can be released through the dam in a controlled manner to produce electricity. PSE also purchases hydroelectric power from other sources as needed.

How to access hydropower

You are likely receiving some of your power from hydroelectric sources today. As more power is generated from hydro, more of your energy will come from this source, helping to reduce carbon-based energy.

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