Hydro Energy

History
Hydro has had a long and important historical role in providing mechanical energy which was used in the every day's human activity. Specifically watermills were used in Mesopotamia as early as 3000 BC and since have harnessed the energy of water almost anywhere on the planet that boasts a river or stream. Anything approximating the strength of a horse that did not need to be fed or get tired was immensely valuable.
Early uses were largely agriculture such as pumping water and the traditional grist mill for grinding corn. In the Middle Ages, trade flourished where there was waterpower and even cities grew. During the 18th century the application of waterwheels spread further into industry, driving a vast range of machines for every conceivable purpose, notably textile production. A century later there were over 20,000 waterwheels operating in England alone.

The advent of steam, seemingly offering the potential of limitless power in almost any location, soon came to dominate the landscape. In the developed world today, though the actual waterwheels are mostly gone, a rich legacy of delightful mill-sites and much expensive civil engineering work remains. We have the opportunity to employ their descendant, the more efficient water turbine to generate electricity - the most versatile form of energy known to man.