Hydroelectric power harnesses the motion of large masses of water to generate electricity. The most common hydroelectric plant uses a dam to create a large reservoir of water which then, by force of gravity, flows through turbines to generate electricity. Other forms of hydroelectric plants use tidal forces to power specially designed turbines.
Hydroelectric power is clean, safe and nearly inexhaustible. Electricity generated by hydroelectric power is cheaper than from any other resource. The construction of dams provides recreational areas as well as a source of water for drinking or irrigation in times of drought.
Hydroelectric power does have the disadvantage that is requires a large amount of land to construct dams and reservoirs. There are also environmental implications of altering the flow of large amounts of water. Hydroelectric power is also very limited in its application as only a few locations provide suitable sites for hydroelectric plants. Quebec is able to rely heavily on hydroelectic power because it has a large number of suitable sites. The construction of a hydroelectric power plant takes some time and a large investment of capital.