Today what kind of power does the many waterfalls and rapids of the northern european region provide

"Water power" generally refers to hydroelectric generators, which harness the flow of running water much like a classic water wheel attached to a mill rather than, say, the waves of an ocean. Northern European countries will have the advantage of mountain ranges to assist in the formation of fast-moving bodies of water, and improved modern dams can create massive drops which also increase the power and efficiency of the generators.

Answer accretion;