Enumerate the factors needed for installing a hydroelectric project.

The factors needed for installing a hydroelectric project are:

1. Mountainous area where water falls from a height — the potential energy of falling water helps the turbine to move.
2. Permanent supply of water can be ensured by perennial rivers. Hence, snow-fed rivers of the Himalayas are of great use for the generation of hydropower.
3. Climate should be suitable i.e. the rivers should not freeze during winter.
4. Water of the river should be silt free or water should be stored in artificial reservoirs before releasing in hydel channel.
5. A gorge between the two hills is the most suitable site for building dams.
6. Flow of water should be uniform in the river. Any fluctuation would affect the generation of electricity.
7. There should be enough scope for electricity supply i.e. an industrial zone so that the loss of electricity is minimum in transmission.