Hydropower was important long before electricity generation possible Moving water acting on a waterwheel can be used to ease human labor was found about 2000 years ago Waterwheel Grinding grain mechanisms Sawing wood 13th century to operate hammers in ironworks of western Europe 1 6th century, the primary source of industrial power Finally it was replaced by steam engine in many application Now, we use water power almost exclusively for the generation of electricity 复旦大学环境科学与工程系 Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan UniversityHydropower was important long before electricity generation possible Moving water acting on a waterwheel can be used to ease human labor was found about 2000 years ago. Waterwheel mechanisms Grinding grain Sawing wood 13th century, to operate hammers in ironworks of western Europe 16th century, the primary source of industrial power Finally it was replaced by steam engine in many application. Now, we use water power almost exclusively for the generation of electricity