Hydropower

The Issue

Many emerging economies rely heavily on hydropower for affordable, reliable, and low-carbon energy to fuel their growing needs. Hydropower potential, particularly in Africa, remains largely untapped. The continent has only 37 gigawatts of installed hydropower capacity, compared to an estimated techno-economic potential exceeding 400 gigawatts. Other regions, such as South and Central Asia, are also operating well below their potential.

Relevance

Hydropower is a proven and mature renewable energy technology with a high capacity factor, capable of delivering essential firm and clean power. Modernizing existing hydro infrastructure and developing new projects could help meet growing energy demand while advancing global climate goals. Yet, high capital costs, long construction timelines, and the rising threat of climate change have slowed new investment and deployment.

Our Approach 

Debates over hydropower and large dams are often heated, and the technology has faced periods of neglect in favor of intermittent renewables. We aim to assess the current status of hydropower projects across emerging economies, highlight their unique challenges, and analyze the policy and financial barriers that may be limiting international support. Ultimately, we seek policy changes to unleash additional sources of low-carbon energy for economic growth and industrial expansion of emerging economies around the world.

Map based on Sterl et al. (2021) and Global Dam Watch (GDW) database with updates from Energy for Growth Hub. For questions, edits, and access to database please contact info@energyforgrowth.org.