Hydropower is playing an increasingly important role in the global push for renewable energy. Around the world, governments are investing in both large-scale and small-scale hydropower projects to meet growing energy demands while reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. Developing countries are leading the charge in building small hydropower plants, especially in rural areas where electricity is scarce. These small plants provide local communities with a steady power supply, improving their quality of life and supporting economic growth.
In developed countries, the focus is on upgrading and modernizing older hydropower plants to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Many older plants are being retrofitted with fish-friendly turbines, which allow fish to pass through safely, protecting local ecosystems. There is also increasing interest in tidal energy and wave energy, which harness the power of ocean currents and waves to generate electricity. Countries like the UK and Canada are investing heavily in these technologies as part of their broader renewable energy strategies.
Globally, hydropower remains the largest source of renewable energy, accounting for more than half of the world’s renewable energy production. However, its role is shifting from being a primary energy source to being a supportive backbone for other renewables like wind and solar. Because hydropower can quickly adjust its output to match demand, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing electricity grids that rely on intermittent sources like solar and wind. These global trends highlight hydropower’s continuing importance in the world’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.