A typical dam stores water behind it in a reservoir or lake that was created by humans. When water is let out of the dam, it rotates a turbine that is connected to an electricity-generating generator. On the river’s downstream bank, the water flows back into the dam. Two reservoirs are used in the pumped storage plant, one of which is at a significantly higher elevation than the other. Through a tunnel through the mountain, water is discharged from the higher reservoir to power generators in an underground power station. On nights and weekends when there is less need for electricity, the turbines reverse and pump water back up to the top reservoir where it may be released again as needed.
I found this explanation of how hydroelectric power works to be super helpful and descriptive. I didn’t realize how many factors were involved in the process of generating hydroelectric energy. I’m still curious as to how often people utilize hydroelectric power. Where is it most commonly used? By who?