15% of global electricity is generated from Hydropower

Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, harnesses the energy from moving water to generate electricity. This form of energy has been utilized for centuries, with ancient civilizations using water mills to perform mechanical tasks such as grinding grain. Modern hydropower plants typically involve large dams and reservoirs where water is stored and controlled for electricity generation. These water bodies can then be released to flow through turbines, converting the kinetic energy of moving water into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electricity through generators.

The process of generating electricity from hydropower is relatively straightforward. Water stored in a reservoir is released through turbines, which rotate as the water flows through, thereby converting the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy. This rotation is used to drive a generator, transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy that can be distributed through power grids. This process occurs with impressive efficiency and contributes significantly to the electricity needs of various regions worldwide, showcasing the crucial role hydropower plays in global energy systems.

One of the most significant advantages of hydropower is its low carbon intensity. Compared to fossil fuels like coal and oil, which have carbon intensities of 820 gCO2eq/kWh and 650 gCO2eq/kWh respectively, hydropower is significantly cleaner, emitting just 24 gCO2eq/kWh. While wind and nuclear energy have even slightly lower carbon intensities, hydro stands alongside these sources as a vital pillar of sustainable, low-carbon electricity generation. Its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is invaluable, especially when considering the harmful impacts of fossil fuel combustion on climate change and air quality.

Hydropower is instrumental in global electricity generation, making up around 15% of all electricity consumed worldwide. Several countries have successfully capitalized on their water resources to generate a significant portion of their electricity via hydropower. For instance, hydro accounts for nearly three-quarters of Iceland's electricity generation and even more impressively, around 90% and 93% in Norway and Bhutan, respectively. Similarly, in countries like Canada and the U.S. state of Montana, hydropower plays a vital role, providing more than half and almost a third of their electricity, respectively. These examples underscore the importance of hydropower in contributing to clean energy solutions and helping countries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

In the broader context of low-carbon energy solutions, hydropower complements other clean energy sources such as wind, nuclear, and solar power. Each of these technologies is crucial in transitioning to a sustainable energy future. Wind and solar have seen remarkable growth due to their scalability and decreasing costs, while nuclear power provides a reliable and continuous source of clean electricity. Collectively, these sources can meet the electricity demands of the future, which will only increase as the world continues to embrace electrification and advanced technologies like AI. Together, this diverse range of low-carbon energy sources will help usher in a new era of clean, sustainable electricity, vital for the health of our planet and its inhabitants.