14% of global electricity is generated from Hydropower

Hydroelectric power, commonly referred to as hydro, harnesses the energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. It is one of the oldest and most widely utilized sources of renewable energy, relying on the natural water cycle to provide a sustainable and clean power supply. Water from a reservoir or river is channeled through turbines, converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy by generators. Hydro is an integral part of the global electricity landscape, contributing substantially to the power needs of various countries around the world.

The process of generating electricity through hydro involves constructing a dam or similar structure to control water flow from a reservoir or river. Water is directed through large pipes, known as penstocks, toward turbines housed in a power station. As the water moves through, it spins the blades of turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. The flow of the water can be controlled to meet varying electricity needs and ensure a continuous supply. This ability to manage electricity generation aligns with both base-load and peak demand, making hydro a flexible and reliable energy source.

Hydropower offers significant benefits in terms of environmental impact, largely due to its extremely low carbon intensity of just 24 gCO2eq/kWh, placing it alongside the cleanest sources of energy such as wind, nuclear, and solar, which boast values of 11 gCO2eq/kWh, 12 gCO2eq/kWh, and 45 gCO2eq/kWh respectively. As a zero-carbon electricity source, hydropower contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Unlike fossil fuel-based power sources such as coal or gas, which have much higher carbon intensities of 820 gCO2eq/kWh and 490 gCO2eq/kWh respectively, hydro helps create a cleaner and healthier environment by cutting down on the pollutants that contribute to air pollution and global warming.

Globally, hydroelectricity plays a pivotal role in sustainable energy supply by generating 14% of all electricity consumed. Certain countries exemplify the effective use of hydroelectric power. In Norway, for instance, hydro contributes to 90% of electricity generation; in Iceland, it's 72%. These percentages illustrate hydro’s potential in integrating clean energy into national grids — a critical step towards energy sovereignty and sustainability. In Bhutan, a staggering 93% of electricity is generated from hydro, underscoring its potential for nations with abundant water resources. Canada also benefits significantly, with more than half of its electricity derived from hydro. The state of Montana in the United States also exemplifies regional reliance, with hydro accounting for 34% of its electricity generation. These examples highlight hydro’s vital contribution to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a cleaner electricity grid.

The expansion of low-carbon energy sources, including hydro, is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and air pollution. As the demand for electricity continues to rise with advancements in technology and the increasing push for electrification, leveraging diverse clean energy technologies like nuclear, solar, wind, and hydro remains essential. Nations across the globe are encouraged to harness this diverse portfolio of low-carbon energy, building on their unique geographical advantages to ensure a greener future. Together, these technologies provide pathways to sustainable development, cleaner air, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, helping to pave the way for an energy-resilient world.