A Pelton wheel is a type of water turbine used to generate electricity from high-pressure water sources. It consists of a series of spoon-shaped buckets mounted on a wheel. As water jets strike the buckets, they cause the wheel to spin, converting the kinetic energy of the water into mechanical energy. Pelton wheels are particularly effective in locations with steep terrain and significant elevation drops, where water can be harnessed efficiently. They are commonly used in hydroelectric power plants to produce renewable energy, making them an important technology in sustainable energy production.