Dynamic Energy Transformations: Hydroelectric Power Plants. Thus, kinetic energy of the water is converted into mechanical energy of the turbine. A coal-fired power plant uses steam to turn the turbine blades; whereas a hydroelectric plant uses falling water to turn the turbine. The energy in the water is converted to mechanical energy in the turbine 3. The transformation of the energy in the hydroelectric power plant is as follows: Explanation: The hydropower stations uses the energy from the falling water from the … 1. Potential energy of the water is converted to kinetic energy due to an elevation drop 2. The results are the same. The fast falling water rotates the turbine of the generator. Moving water, such as a river or a waterfall, has mechanical energy. In 2012, hydroelectric power plants contributed about 16% of total electricity generation of the world.Hydroelectricity is the most widely used form of renewable energy. In a hydroelectric power plant, the potential energy of water at higher level is converted to kinetic energy of the water by letting it flow at a faster rate. In both cases a power source is used to turn a propeller-like piece called a turbine, which then turns a metal shaft in an electric generator, which is the motor that produces electricity.

Generation of electricity by hydropower (potential energy in stored water) is one of the cleanest methods of producing electric power. In a hydroelectric dam, water runs down the pipe and is converted from gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy. A hydroelectric power plant harnesses the energy found in moving or still water and converts it into electricity. Once it has gained kinetic energy this "movement" energy is used to hit the turbine and turn it to generate electrical energy.