Hydroelectricity is Hot Again

In our carbon-conscious world, scientists and businesses are constantly on the lookout for cleaner, less carbon-intensive sources of energy. Now, recent innovations in hydroelectric energy are creating new opportunities for clean energy and large profits. Hydroelectricity has always been considered "carbon-free"; however in the past it necessitated the construction of environmentally harmful dams. Dams often disrupt and destroy wildlife and displace local populations. But recent design innovations now make free-standing hydroelectric turbines efficient and practical. One example is a new turbine created by Alexander Gorlov, a Russian civil engineer who worked on the Aswan High Dam in Egypt. According to the Economist,

“The Gorlov Helical Turbine, as it is known, allows you to use any stream, whatever the direction of its flow. The vertical helical structure, which gives the device its name, provides a stability that previous designs lacked. It increases the amount of energy extracted from a stream from 20% to 35%. In addition, as the shaft is vertical the electric generator can be installed on one end above the water—without any need of waterproof boxes.”

For more on this updated form of hydroelectric power, click here.