The turbines for hydroelectric dams are located far below the top of the dam mainly because of the need for a significant drop in water level or head to generate sufficient power. The height difference, known as the hydraulic head, is crucial for harnessing the potential energy of the falling water to spin the turbines and produce electricity. By placing the turbines at a lower level, the dam can create a greater hydraulic head, resulting in more pressure and a higher velocity of water. This increased energy can then be efficiently converted into mechanical energy by the turbines, which ultimately generates electricity.
