Question

Identify the correct statement in regard to hydropower.

(a) Hydropower stations are generally labour-oriented

(b) The gestation period for hydro-power plant is usually small

(c) The hydro generators give high efficiency over a wide range of load

(d) In a hydropower scheme, the firm power is usually high as compared to tidal power

I had been asked this question in exam.

This key question is from Principal Components of a Hydro Electric Scheme topic in section Hydro Electric Power of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) The hydro generators give high efficiency over a wide range of load

Easiest explanation: Hydroelectric power plants are the most efficient means of producing energy and the efficiency of today’s hydroelectric plant is about 90%. Large hydropower plants usually have a gestation period of about 7 years whereas for smaller plants it is 2 to 5 years.