Brief History of Hydroelectric Energy
People have been using the flow and the power of water to drive machines for many centuries.
Aqueducts
Water Wheels
Dams
Many centuries ago, the ancient Romans used a vast network of aqueducts to bring water to the city from outlying regions.
Early Europeans and Asians used water wheels placed in flowing streams to turn big stone wheels that ground up grains for making bread. They were called grist mills.
More recently, dams were implemented to impede the flow of running water and release it when needed. The force of the water then turns generators to make electricity for modern society.