Vesivoimalat

Vesivoimalat are facilities that generate electricity from the energy of moving or stored water. They typically use dams or channeling to create a hydraulic head, and water released to turbines drives generators that produce electricity. Hydropower is a renewable and adjustable source of power.

Most plants fall into two broad categories: dam-based hydroelectric plants with reservoirs and run-of-river plants with limited storage. A third option is pumped-storage hydroelectricity, which moves water between upper and lower reservoirs to balance supply and demand. Turbines such as Pelton, Francis, and Kaplan are chosen based on site head and flow.

Key components include a dam or diversion, intake works, penstock, turbines, generators, transformers, and spillways. Modern plants employ automation and monitoring to optimize efficiency and environmental performance.

In Finland, vesivoimalat represent a significant portion of renewable electricity. Plants are located along major rivers and in western and northern parts of the country. Their flexible output supports grid stability, complementing wind and solar power, and helping with flood management in some basins.

Environmental considerations include effects on aquatic ecosystems, fish passage, sediment transport, and river flow changes. Mitigation measures such as fish ladders, turbine upgrades, and habitat monitoring are commonly used. The sector continues to modernize with efficiency upgrades and enhanced integration with the power grid.