Jõevooluhüdroenergia

Jõevooluhüdroenergia, also known as run-of-river hydroelectricity, is a type of hydroelectric power generation that does not require a large dam or reservoir. Instead, it utilizes the natural flow of a river to spin turbines and generate electricity. Water is diverted from the river into a channel or penstock, which leads to the turbines. The force of the moving water then turns the turbines, which are connected to generators that produce electricity.

This method of hydropower has several advantages. It typically has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional dams, as it does not involve flooding large areas of land or significantly altering river ecosystems. Run-of-river projects also tend to have lower construction costs and shorter development times. However, the power output of run-of-river systems is directly dependent on the river's flow rate, meaning generation can fluctuate with seasonal changes or drought conditions.

Unlike storage hydropower, which relies on a reservoir to store water and release it as needed, run-of-river systems generate power continuously as water flows. This makes them a more consistent source of renewable energy in areas with stable river flows. Jõevooluhüdroenergia is a significant contributor to renewable energy portfolios in many countries, offering a way to harness the power of flowing water with minimized disruption to the surrounding environment.