Water can be used as a "green" (environmentally friendly) solvent very easily because it's already a natural solvent unless it's combined with a solvent or solute that isn't green. One example could be the way water is used to create energy (electricity) through hydropower plants. An average hydropower plant will usually consist of three parts; a power plant where the energy is created, a dam with the ability to open or close, and a reservoir, where the water will be stored.
The very useful part of this green energy is that the water in the reservoir is actually stored energy so it never goes to waste. Also, the flow of water can be controlled when the town needs more or less energy. After the water is used, it won't be contaminated by the equipment at the plant and could even be used miles away at another power plant. As long as there isn't a large drought, this energy will always be attainable and sustainable.
The first part of the process is where the water from the reservoir enters through the dam's opening and leads down long pipes, which are called penstocks. When the water breaches the end of these pipes, it then moves the turbine's blades. This turbine is connected to a generator to provide the energy needed for electricity, which is then delivered to a utility company through transmission lines.
This website provides photos and additional information:
http://www.need.org/needpdf/infobook_activities/SecInfo/HydroS.pdf
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