This works similar to a battery, storing energy generated from other sources such as solar, wind and nuclear. It stores the energy by pumping water from a reservoir at a low level, up to a reservoir at higher level. When there’s a demand for electricity, the water is released back down to the lower reservoir and on to that all important turbine

This is the most widespread system. By building one or more dams, reservoirs are formed that store large amounts of water and, in this way, regulate the flow that passes through the turbines to generate electricity. This means energy production can be stable throughout the year

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Also known as “run-of-river”. This type doesn’t use a dam, but instead harnesses the natural flow of water falling from a greater to a lesser height. The water is channelled, via a series of canals, towards the generator-powering turbines. One good example of this is the power stations at Niagara Falls

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