The World’s Water Power.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 6, 10 February 1909, Page 27

The World’s Water Power.

A summary of the available water pow rrs of the world, published in the “Re vue Elect riiptc,” is thus translated and abstracted in “ Machinery “In the t’nited Staes there is 1.500,000 horse-power possible of ut disat ion. Among the European count l ies Erance has estimated available water-power of 4.500,000 horse power, of which SOO.OOO horse-power is utilised. Hie region ol the Alps, extending into Erance brings the figure as high as mentioned. Italy, it is stated, has an equal amount of water power available, but only 300,000 horse-power is utilised as yet. In that country, falls of 10.000 horsepower are abundant. The estimate for the avail able water-power in Switzerland is in complete, but 300.000 horse power is in use. Tiie .nailable power in Germany is 700,000 horse-power. 100.000 horse-power being utilised. In Norway t he estmiated power is 000.000 horse-power, and in Swe deli 700,000. a large part of which is uliead\ developed in both countries. As regards available water-power. Riissii heads the list it being estimated that 11,000,000 horse-power could be taken out of the Russian rivers, of whih onh 55.000 horse-power has been developedGreat Britain and Spain come last in the estimate, only 70.000 horsepower being utilised in cither country. Il is stated that Japan has available water power of 1.000.000 horse-power, of which only 7 per cent has as yet been utilised. The estimate for the water power in the t nited State- i- without question con-mi erably below the actual figures. It has been stated on good authority that there is ahead} developed or under develop uient in the I ’nited State- 4.500.000 horse power from water -oiirecs. and t lie Go\ rinmeiiTs statistical figure- indicate that tin* available water-power in the country is neatly 10.000,000 horse power. In New England alone there i- 1.000.000 horse power developed, with probably another haltmillion available.”