Water energy is a renewable energy source, and is primarily used to generate electricity in the modern era through a process called hydroelectric generation, where the flow of the water runs a turbine, which is used to drive a generator. The United States is one of the world leaders in hydroelectric power generation, getting nearly 10% of its total power from hydroelectric plants; as the price of oil increases, and volatility in the Middle East sends shocks through the energy markets, many more consumers are seeing the benefit of water energy and hydro-electric plants, even though dam construction projects are expensive, and significant environmental impacts.

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