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Fundamental part of a hydroelectric scheme (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dam

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'a hydroelectric scheme' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'fundamental part' is the wordplay.
'part' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'DAM' is hidden in the letters of 'fundamental'.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dam that I've seen before include "Hold back; mother" , "Female parent of an animal, especially livestock" , "Horse's mother" , "Barrier to hold back water" , "A mad kind of mum" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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