Hydro-electric power is currently the world's largest renewable source of electricity, accounting for 6% of worldwide energy supply or about 15% of the world's electricity. However, in some countries, hydro-electric power is a lot more common, for example, in Canada, where HEP supplies 60% of the electricity needed. Traditionally thought of as a cheap and clean source of electricity, most large hydro-electric schemes being planned today are coming up against a great deal of opposition from environmental groups …showed first 75 words of 1145 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1145 total…turbine production, lowers the costs of hydro-electric power at sites with low heads. New computerized control systems and improved turbines may allow more electricity to be generated from existing facilities in the future. As well, many small hydro-electric electric sites were abandoned in the 1950's and 60's when the price of oil and coal was very low, and their environmental impacts unrealized. Increased fuel prices in the future could result in these facilities being refurbished.