Hydroelectricity
Latest findings
Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy today, but that could change soon
Hydro is currently the third largest source of power generation worldwide after coal and natural gas. In 2024, it generated around 4 500 terawatt-hours of electricity, or 14% of the global total.
More than 150 gigawatts (GW) of new hydro capacity is set to come online by the end of the decade, mostly in emerging and developing economies. As a result, electricity generation from hydropower is expected to increase by 7% between 2025 and 2030. However, its share in global electricity generation is poised to decrease slightly by 2030 as other energy sources, including solar PV and wind, see faster growth.
Annual capacity additions of pumped-storage hydropower are forecast to double by 2030. Pumped-storage hydro plants can provide both flexibility and storage, boosting energy security as electricity systems evolve.
More than 150 gigawatts (GW) of new hydro capacity is set to come online by the end of the decade, mostly in emerging and developing economies. As a result, electricity generation from hydropower is expected to increase by 7% between 2025 and 2030. However, its share in global electricity generation is poised to decrease slightly by 2030 as other energy sources, including solar PV and wind, see faster growth.
Annual capacity additions of pumped-storage hydropower are forecast to double by 2030. Pumped-storage hydro plants can provide both flexibility and storage, boosting energy security as electricity systems evolve.