On which principle does a hydroelectric power plant work?

A hydroelectric plant relies on all these principles acting together, so every one applies.

It obeys the conservation of energy, as stored water energy is transformed rather than created or destroyed.

Falling water converts potential energy into kinetic energy as it rushes down.

The turbine then turns that mechanical energy into electrical energy in the generator.

The height of the water head sets how much power can be produced.

Pumped-storage plants even push water back up to store energy for peak demand.