Hydropower or water power is power derived from the energy of falling or fast-running water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes. Since ancient times, hydropower from many kinds of watermills has been used as a renewable energy source for irrigation and the operation of various mechanical devices, such as gristmills, sawmills, textile mills, trip hammers, dock cranes, domestic lifts, and ore mills.
The use of water power dates back to ancient times. The first watermills were used in the 3rd century BC. However, it was not until the 19th century that hydropower began to be used for electricity production. The first hydroelectric power plant was built in 1882 in Appleton, Wisconsin. The 20th century saw a surge of interest in hydropower, and since then, the technology has been developing rapidly.
Hydropower is the largest source of renewable electricity in the world, accounting for more than 16% of global electricity generation. The technology has a wide range of applications, from large-scale power plants to small-scale micro-hydro systems. Hydropower is a mature technology, but there is still potential for growth, particularly in developing countries.