GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Hydropower Statistics [Recent Analysis]

Highlights: Hydropower Statistics

  • As of 2020, there were more than 1045 GW of global hydropower installed capacity.
  • China is the leading country in hydropower generation with over 356 GW installed capacity.
  • The US has around 7% of global hydropower capacity with 102.4 GW installed capacity in 2020.
  • The largest hydropower plant in the world is the Three Gorges Dam in China with 22,500 MW capacity.
  • Hydropower meets around 16% of Africa’s total electricity demand.
  • Brazil generates over 75% of its electricity from hydropower.
  • Hydropower plants can have efficiency rates up to 90%, making it one of the most efficient energy sources.
  • Global hydropower production in 2019 reached around 4,306 TWh.
  • Norway generates around 95% of its electricity from hydropower sources.
  • The installed capacity of hydropower in Europe is approximately 250 GW.
  • The total hydropower generation capacity in India stood at 50 GW in 2020.

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Hydropower is one of the most important sources of renewable energy in the world. It has been used for centuries to generate electricity and power homes, businesses, and industries around the globe. In 2020 alone, hydropower accounted for over 71% of global renewable electricity generation according to data from International Energy Agency (IEA). As of 2020, there were more than 1045 GW of global hydropower installed capacity with China leading as the top country in terms of total installed capacity at 356 GW. The United States follows closely behind with 102.4 GW while Canada holds third place with 81 000 MW installed capacity.
The largest hydropower plant in operation today is Three Gorges Dam located on Yangtze River in China which boasts a 22 500 MW generating capacity followed by Brazil’s Itaipu Dam on its border with Paraguay that produces 14 000 MW annually making it second-largest hydroelectric facility worldwide. Hydropower plants are also responsible for preventing emissions equivalent to nearly 4 billion metric tons CO2 each year globally while small-scale installations account for 11–14% share out of total production capacities worldwide according to IHA report 2021 Small Hydro Market Report & Forecast Update: Global Overview & Regional Analysis 2021–2030 .
In Africa region 16 %of all electricity demand comes from hydroelectricity whereas countries like Norway rely heavily on this source producing 95 %of their entire electric needs through waterpower facilities only; Europe stands at 250GW cumulative installation rate meanwhile India reached 50GW mark last year but Ethiopia will soon become leader when Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project reaches completion adding 6 450MW into national grid system thus becoming biggest African powerhouse ever built so far . European Union plans further expansion aiming 60GW new additions until 2050 dateline set by EU commission itself . All these facts prove how vital role does this form play within modern society providing clean , reliable and cost effective way towards sustainable future development both locally or internationally speaking

The Most Important Statistics
As of 2020, there were more than 1045 GW of global hydropower installed capacity. This statistic is a testament to the immense potential of hydropower as a renewable energy source. With over 1045 GW of installed capacity, hydropower is one of the most widely used renewable energy sources in the world. This statistic highlights the importance of hydropower in the global energy mix and its potential to help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. China is the leading country in hydropower generation with over 356 GW installed capacity. This statistic is a testament to China’s commitment to hydropower, demonstrating their leadership in the field. It highlights the potential of hydropower as a renewable energy source and shows that it can be used to generate significant amounts of electricity. This statistic is an important reminder that hydropower can be a viable and reliable source of energy, and that countries should consider investing in it.

Hydropower Statistics Overview

The US has around 7% of global hydropower capacity with 102.4 GW installed capacity in 2020.

This statistic is a testament to the US’s commitment to hydropower, with 7% of the world’s total capacity. It highlights the US’s dedication to renewable energy sources, and the potential for further growth in the sector. This statistic is a reminder of the importance of hydropower in the US, and the potential for further development in the future.

The largest hydropower plant in the world is the Three Gorges Dam in China with 22,500 MW capacity.

This statistic is a testament to the potential of hydropower as a renewable energy source. The Three Gorges Dam is a remarkable feat of engineering, and its 22,500 MW capacity is a powerful reminder of the immense energy that can be generated from hydropower. This statistic serves as a reminder of the potential of hydropower to provide clean, renewable energy to the world.

Hydropower meets around 16% of Africa’s total electricity demand.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the importance of hydropower in Africa’s energy landscape. It demonstrates that hydropower is a major source of electricity for the continent, providing a reliable and renewable source of energy. This statistic is especially important in the context of a blog post about hydropower statistics, as it provides a tangible example of the impact hydropower is having in Africa.

Brazil generates over 75% of its electricity from hydropower.

This statistic is a testament to the power of hydropower in Brazil, demonstrating the country’s commitment to renewable energy sources. It highlights the potential of hydropower to provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity, and serves as an example for other countries to follow.

Hydropower plants can have efficiency rates up to 90%, making it one of the most efficient energy sources.

The fact that hydropower plants can have efficiency rates up to 90% is a testament to the power of this renewable energy source. It is a clear indication that hydropower is one of the most reliable and efficient sources of energy available, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. This statistic is an important reminder of the potential of hydropower and its ability to provide clean, renewable energy.

Global hydropower production in 2019 reached around 4,306 TWh.

This statistic is a testament to the immense potential of hydropower as a renewable energy source. With 4,306 TWh of energy produced in 2019, hydropower is proving to be a reliable and efficient way to generate electricity. This statistic is a reminder of the importance of investing in hydropower and other renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

Norway generates around 95% of its electricity from hydropower sources.

This statistic is a testament to Norway’s commitment to renewable energy sources, particularly hydropower. It highlights the country’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels, and serves as an example of how other countries can transition to renewable energy sources. Additionally, it demonstrates the potential of hydropower as a reliable and sustainable source of energy.

The installed capacity of hydropower in Europe is approximately 250 GW.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the potential of hydropower in Europe. With a total installed capacity of 250 GW, it is clear that hydropower is a major source of renewable energy in the region. This statistic is a testament to the fact that hydropower is a viable and reliable source of energy, and can be used to meet the energy needs of the region. Furthermore, this statistic highlights the importance of hydropower in the European energy mix, and the potential for further growth in the sector.

The total hydropower generation capacity in India stood at 50 GW in 2020.

This statistic is a testament to the progress India has made in the field of hydropower generation. With a total capacity of 50 GW, India has become one of the leading countries in the world in terms of hydropower generation. This statistic is a clear indication of the potential of hydropower to contribute to India’s energy needs and its ability to provide clean, renewable energy.

Conclusion

Hydropower is an important source of renewable energy that has been used for centuries. It currently accounts for over 71% of global renewable electricity generation and there are more than 1045 GW of installed capacity worldwide. China leads the world in hydropower production with 356 GW, followed by the US at 102.4 GW and Canada at 81,000 MW. The largest hydropower plant in the world is Three Gorges Dam in China with 22,500 MW capacity while Europe has around 250GW installed capacity as of 2020. Hydropower meets 16% of Africa’s total electricity demand and Brazil generates 75% from this source alone; it also prevents emissions up to 4 billion metric tons annually globally. Small-scale hydroelectricity contributes 11 to 14%, pumped storage makes up 10 to 15%, Norway produces 95%, India 50GW and Ethiopia 6,450MW when its Grand Renaissance Dam project completes construction soonest possible time frame .The European Union aims to add 60GW new capacities by 2050 making a grand total 1190Gw projected 2030 & 1350 Gw projected 2050 respectively Hydropower remains one of the most efficient sources available today due its efficiency rates reaching 90%.

References

0. – https://www.energy.gov

1. – https://www.enerdata.net

2. – https://www.icold-cigb.org

3. – https://www.ibef.org

4. – https://www.intechopen.com

5. – https://www.hydropower.org

6. – https://www.nsenergybusiness.com

7. – https://www.irena.org

8. – https://www.africa-energy.com

9. – https://www.whc.unesco.org

FAQs

What is hydropower?

Hydropower is a renewable energy source that harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. This is typically achieved by constructing a dam or using natural water sources, such as rivers and waterfalls, to drive turbines connected to generators.

What are the main components of a hydropower system?

The main components of a hydropower system include a water source (such as a river, lake, or reservoir), a dam or barrier (to regulate water flow), penstocks (pipes or channels to convey water to the turbines), turbines (which convert the water's kinetic energy into mechanical energy), generators (which turn mechanical energy into electrical energy), and a transmission system (to connect the generated power to the electrical grid).

How much of the world's electricity is generated through hydropower?

As of 2021, hydropower accounts for approximately 16% of the world's total electricity production, making it the largest source of renewable electricity.

What are some advantages of hydropower?

Some advantages of hydropower include its renewable nature, relatively low greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, ability to provide consistent and reliable power, the capability to quickly adjust to changing electricity demand, and potential of reservoirs to offer other benefits such as water supply and flood control.

What are some drawbacks or challenges associated with hydropower?

Some drawbacks of hydropower include negative environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems, high initial construction costs, potential displacement of communities during dam construction, and dependency on water availability which can be affected by droughts or changing climate conditions.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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