Is the Energy Source classified as non renewable, renewable or inexhaustible?
Hydroelectric power is classified as a renewable energy source because water is a renewable source.
How is the energy source made usable?
To turn water into energy a dam needs to be built on a large river that has a large drop elevation. After that, the water would need to move through the penstock inside the dam in order to reach the turbine where power is generated. Then, the flowing water needs to turn the turbine propeller which would then turn the shaft connecting the propeller to the generator above in the dam. The generator then generates electricity from the shaft and then sends the electric to homes using power lines connected to the generator.
What are the infrastructure requirements for utilizing this energy source
In order to use hydroelectricity you would first need a large river that has a steep drop in elevation in an area which is where you would put the dam. You would also need a dam, generators, turbines, transformers, and transmission towers to create, store, and move electricity to your homes.
What emerging technologies will make this energy source safer, more usable, more efficient, cleaner, etc.
Newer turbines that are fish friendly will help lower the impact on fish living around the dam by using 6 smaller blades rather then using 5 large blades. A new automatic control system that regulates the use of water will help increase water use efficiency.