15% of global electricity is generated from Hydropower

Hydroelectric power, often referred to as hydro, is a form of energy that harnesses the power of moving water to generate electricity. This clean electricity source is achieved by the gravitational force of falling or flowing water, commonly from reservoirs, rivers, or waterfalls. Hydro is part of a broader array of low-carbon energy technologies, which are vital for transitioning to a sustainable electricity system. As a renewable source, it plays a crucial role in diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are significantly more carbon-intensive and contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Electricity generation from hydro involves constructing a dam across a river to create a reservoir or using the kinetic energy of flowing water directly. When water is released from the reservoir, it flows through turbines, causing them to spin. These turbines are connected to generators, which convert the mechanical energy from the spinning turbines into electrical energy. The generated electricity is then transmitted through the power grid for use in homes, businesses, and industries. This process is efficient and contributes to the low carbon intensity associated with hydroelectric power, which is about 24 gCO2eq/kWh.

One of the key advantages of hydroelectric power is its low carbon intensity, which is significantly lower than that of fossil fuel sources like coal, gas, and oil. Hydro's carbon intensity is around 24 gCO2eq/kWh, making it an excellent clean energy source alongside other low-carbon technologies such as solar, wind, and nuclear. For instance, nuclear energy has a carbon intensity of about 12 gCO2eq/kWh, wind at approximately 11 gCO2eq/kWh, and solar at roughly 45 gCO2eq/kWh. Compared to coal, which has a carbon intensity of 820 gCO2eq/kWh, these low-carbon technologies are transforming the global electricity landscape by lowering emissions and addressing climate challenges.

Globally, hydroelectric power is responsible for generating approximately 15% of the world's electricity, underscoring its essential role in the energy mix. Its contribution is even more pronounced in several countries; for example, hydro accounts for 90% of electricity in Norway, a testament to its effectiveness and reliability. In Iceland, hydro provides 72% of the nation's electricity, and in Bhutan, it constitutes 93%. In Canada, more than half of the electricity comes from hydro, and even in Montana, about a third of the electricity is generated from this source. These figures highlight the potential for other regions to bolster their reliance on clean energy, complementing nuclear and solar to meet electricity demand with minimal environmental impact.

Emphasizing hydroelectric power's role in the transition to clean electricity aligns with the need for a broader adoption of low-carbon technologies, like nuclear and solar. As global electricity demand grows, driven by factors such as electrification and the rise of advanced technologies like AI, expanding clean energy sources becomes crucial. By leveraging hydro alongside solar and nuclear, we can secure a sustainable, reliable, and low-emission electricity future, significantly cutting reliance on polluting fossil fuels. This path is essential for both environmental preservation and the continued growth of electricity generation to meet future needs.