Question

In India hydroelectric power contributes approximately_ _ _ _ _ _ percent if the total electricity produced.
A. 11%
B. 22%
C. 33%
D. 44%

Answer 1

Hint: - Hydroelectricity refers to the generation of electricity using the kinetic energy of falling water.
- Even today India has not used its total potential of this largest renewable resource.
- On a global level India is the 7th largest producer of hydroelectric power and in a total number of dams, it ranks 3rd. India currently ranks fifth in the world for potential hydropower capacity.

Complete Answer:
Process of production of electricity: Hydroelectric power falls in the category of renewable resources. It produces electricity when water is falling by the force of gravity which is further used to rotate the turbines. For the generators to generate electricity water must be in motion and this type of energy generated by motion is kinetic. When flowing water turns blades of a turbine, the previous form of energy which was kinetic is then changed to mechanical energy. Further, this mechanical energy is changed and electricity is produced.

Importance of hydroelectric power plants:
- In terms of electricity generation hydropower is the largest renewable resource. Though the power plants are located on rivers, streams and canals, for a reliable water supply, dams are needed. Dams not only store water for later use for electricity generation, but it also releases its water for other purposes such as irrigation, domestic and industrial use.
- Sector-wise division of source: In terms of power generation, India is the sixth-largest state. From the total electricity consumption of India, About 65% comes from thermal power plants, 22% from hydroelectric power plants, 3%from nuclear power plants and rest 10% from alternative sources of energy such as solar, biomass etc.

Thus from the above discussion, it can be concluded that the correct answer is option B.

Note: - World’s first hydroelectric power plant was made in Appleton, Wisconsin on Fox river. It started working in 1882.
- India’s largest completed hydropower project is built on the Koyna river in Maharashtra. Its name is Koyna Hydroelectric Project and the project located on the highest elevation is Tehri Hydropower Complex.