Hydropower status report - 2019 sector trends and insights - International Hydropower Association
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2019 hydropower status report sector trends and insights
For more information: hydropower.org/congress
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2 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2018
Acknowledgements
Contributing Ministers: IHA Board 2017-2019: External Reviewers:
Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Ken Adams, IHA President Anne-Raphaelle Audoin - WaterPower
Resources - Canada Canada
Richard Taylor, IHA Chief Executive
Hon. Bambang P. Soemantri Anton-Louis Olivier - REH
Antoine Badinier,
Brodjonegoro, Minister of National IHA Vice President - EDF Arturo Alarcon - IDB
Development Planning - Indonesia
Lin Chuxue, IHA Vice President Diana Carolina Salazar Ortiz - EPM
H.E. Barsha Man Pun, Minister of - China Three Gorges Corporation
Diego Fernando Quintana Rojas - Itaipu
Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation
Colin Clark, IHA Vice President Binational
- Nepal
- Brookfield Renewable
Farukh Sultantov - Consultant
Hon. Irene Nafuna Muloni, Minister Roger Gill, IHA Vice President
of Energy and Mineral Development - Husam Beides - World Bank
- Consultant
Uganda Juergen Schuol - Voith
Gil Maranhão Neto, IHA Vice President
Hon. Guillermo Moncecchi, Minister of - Engie Brasil Kathrin Roeck - Voith
Industry, Energy and Mining - Uruguay
Christine Cantin - Hydro-Québec Mei Zhihong - Independent expert
Editorial: Tammy Chu - Entura, Hydro Tasmania Nikki Bahr - Sustainable Strategies
Researched, written and edited
Mauro Corbellini - Itaipu Binacional Pierre Levasseur - EDF
by the team at IHA Central Office:
Tron Engebrethsen - Statkraft AS Pierre Lundal - WaterPower Canada
Analysts:
Awadh Giri - HydrofE3 Pimhein Kool - FMO
Bill Girling
Cristina Díez Santos Moisés Machava - Hidroelétrica de Qu Ang - CTG
David Samuel Cahora Bassa
Ramesh Vaidya - ICIMOD
María Ubierna Kelly Malone - King & Spalding
Mathis Rogner Ravi Kalra - Voith
Nicholas Troja Segomoco Scheppers - Eskom
Ren Jinghuai - CHSE
Samuel Law Óli Grétar Blöndal Sveinsson
- Landsvirkjun Renata de Biasi Ribeiro - Itaipu
Interns: Binational
Claire Nakabugo Sharbini Suhaili
- Sarawak Energy Berhad Rodrigo Fernández Ordóñez - Vice
Pan Ei Ei Phyoe Minister of Energy & Mines, Guatemala
Sabrina Upadhyay Evgeniy Tikhonov - EuroSibEnergo
Rufino Andres Rojas - Itaipu Binational
Uwe Wehnhardt - Voith Hydro
Sustainability: Thais Soares - Engie Brasil
João Costa Yves Rannou - GE Renewable Energy
Xiaoping Wang - World Bank
Alain Kilajian
Zheng Chunzhou - Independent expert
Editor:
Will Henley
Production:
Louis Scorza
| 1
The Gordon Dam in the south-west of
Tasmania, Australia.
Credit: Hydro Tasmania.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements 1
About IHA 4
Regions in Focus
Foreword 6
Report methodology
Executive Summary Map of new hydropower capacity added in 2018 48
Statistics for the Hydropower
Key trends and developments 8 Map of hydropower capacity and generation by region 50
Status Report are compiled by
North and Central America 52 IHA using data from published
Regional trends in brief 10 sources, IHA members, government
South America 60 representatives, industry sources
Infographics 12 and media monitoring.
Policy Perspectives Africa 68
IHA’s database lists more than
Canada: Minister of Natural Resources 16 Europe 76 13,000 stations in 150 countries.
For hydropower generation,
Indonesia: Minister of National Development Planning 18 South and Central Asia 84 statistics are a combination of
official government reports and
Nepal: Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation 20 East Asia and Pacific 92 IHA estimates based on averaged
capacity factors.
Uganda: Minister of Energy and Mineral Development 22 Table: World Hydropower Data 100
The data is tracked, stored
Uruguay: Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining 24 IHA Membership Information 102 and updated to account for
new information as it is received.
Trends in Focus Data verification exercises are
an ongoing process, leading to
Benefits of hydropower 30 corrections as and when required.
Climate resilience 32
Modernisation 34
Pumped storage 36
Regional interconnections 38
Sustainability 40
2 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 3
About IHA
ABOUT IHA
Advancing sustainable hydropower
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is a non-profit
membership organisation committed to sustainable hydropower.
IHA’s vision is a world where water Knowledge building Sustainability
and energy services are delivered to
IHA’s programmes increase IHA is a champion of good practices
all in a sustainable way.
awareness of hydropower’s and continuous improvement in the
Our mission is to advance sustainable value to clean energy systems hydropower sector.
hydropower by building and sharing and sustainable development,
We support project assessments and
knowledge on its role in renewable promoting collaborative,
training as the management body
energy systems, responsible adaptive approaches to river
for the Hydropower Sustainability
freshwater management and climate basin development and regional
Assessment Tools. These tools
change solutions. interconnections.
are used to guide and assess
We achieve this through monitoring We provide practical advice and performance against a range of
the sector, advancing strategies support to members on operations environmental, social, technical and
that strengthen performance, and and maintenance and have economic criteria.
building an open, innovative and developed tools for dealing with
trusted platform for knowledge. new challenges such as assessing
reservoir carbon emissions and Find out more:
building climate resilience.
www.hydropower.org
Download our 2018-19 Activity and Strategy Report:
hydropower.org/activity2019
4 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 5
Foreword
FOREWORD
The Hydropower Status Report is an authoritative guide
to key trends in hydropower development, featuring policy
insights and latest global capacity and generation data.
The 2019 Hydropower Status Report, Four years on since the Sustainable for hydropower development aimed
published by the International Development Goals were agreed at boosting industrial growth and
Hydropower Association (IHA), offers at the United Nations in 2015, reducing carbon emissions. Minister
insights on hydropower development governments increasingly recognise of National Development Planning
across all regions of the world. hydropower as playing a vital role Bambang P. Soemantri Brodjonegoro
in national strategies for delivering explains that his country is committed
Now in its sixth edition, this report
affordable and clean energy, to reduce GHG emissions by 29
is compiled by a team of analysts
managing freshwater, combatting per cent by 2030, through which
using information provided by
climate change and improving “increasing and promoting the use of
our members, industry sources
livelihoods. new and renewable energy is critical.”
and government representatives,
published sources and media We are honoured that five leading The challenge for many emerging
monitoring. government ministers from Canada, economies and developing countries,
Indonesia, Nepal, Uganda and however, is to raise the investment
Our research found that, during 2018,
Uruguay, with responsibility for capital to build and sustain conventional renewable energies, professionals, recognises that urgent
hydropower projects added almost 22
energy, water and infrastructure hydropower projects, while also redoubling the commitment to action is required to deliver clean
gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity
planning, have shared their ensuring national institutions have comply with the SDGs.” energy to limit the effects of climate
worldwide. This brought existing
perspectives and policy priorities in sufficient capacity to ensure projects change, and to meet people’s basic
capacity to 1,292 GW, resulting in an Through the pages of this report,
this report. are delivered in accordance with needs for freshwater and affordable
estimated 4,200 terawatt hours (TWh) we highlight tools, trends and topics
good practice on environmental and energy.
in clean electricity generation last In Canada, six out of every 10 homes of direct interest to hydropower
social performance.
year. and businesses are powered by developers, operators, investors, Our mission is to advance sustainable
hydroelectricity and the sector is In Nepal, the government is seeking governments and, ultimately, local hydropower by building and sharing
Hydropower development today
widely recognised for job creation. to attract foreign investment in communities. These subjects range knowledge on its role in renewable
is most active in fast growing
Writing in these pages, Minister of hydropower and is exploring regional from efforts to assess the benefits of energy systems, responsible
economies and emerging markets,
Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi energy interconnections as a way of hydropower, through to financing freshwater management and climate The Fierza Hydroelectric Power
with the East Asia and the Pacific Station on the Drin cascade in
welcomes industry efforts to build reducing reliance on fossil fuels and pumped storage projects and solutions. We do this through
region, followed by South America, Albania. Credit: KESH.
partnerships with indigenous increasing off-grid access. Minister adapting operations to new digital programmes aimed at lifting the
adding the highest additional
communities that “create new, long- of Energy, Water Resources and technology. sector’s performance and improving
capacity last year. The United States,
term economic opportunities” while Irrigation, Barsha Man Pun, writes understanding on good practices.
which was previously surpassed The year 2018 saw the launch
reducing reliance on diesel in remote that his government is considering
by China, has now been eclipsed of a suite of new sustainability We encourage all organisations and
communities. distributed electricity generation
by Brazil as the second largest tools by IHA and the Hydropower individuals that share our vision of
through a mix of hydropower
hydropower country by installed Elsewhere, in countries such as Sustainability Assessment Council, a world where water and energy
projects, solar, and wind.
capacity. Indonesia, Nepal and Uganda, a multi-stakeholder coalition services are delivered to all in a
hydropower holds the potential In South America, Uruguay has of representatives of social and sustainable way to join us in this
to accelerate social and economic reached close to 100 per cent environmental NGOs, industry, endeavour.
progress and reduce poverty through renewable electricity generation government and multilateral
widening access to electricity. thanks to the contribution of institutions. These tools include the
1,292 GW “For Uganda to achieve sustainable
development,” writes Minister of
Energy and Minerals Irene Nafuna
hydropower. Importantly, the
government also recognises the
“strong complementarity” between
Hydropower Sustainability Guidelines,
which present definitions of good
practice in the planning, operation
worldwide hydropower hydroelectric and other variable and implementation of hydropower
installed capacity in 2018 Muloni, “the hydropower resources
renewable energy forms. Minister projects, and a new Environmental,
that remain untapped will have to be
of Industry, Energy and Mining Social and Governance Gap Analysis
developed so as to bring to fruition
Guillermo Moncecchi explains that Tool for identifying and address gaps
plans aimed at increasing access to
hydroelectric power has “not only had against good practice.
4,200 TWh
electricity and per capita electricity
a relevant role in the past, ensuring
consumption.” IHA, as a not-for-profit association
the sustainability of the electricity
In line with the Paris Agreement, mix, but also in the present, acting
whose members include public Ken Adams
and private companies, national Richard Taylor
estimated electricity generated Indonesia has developed a strategy as a platform to develop non- President
from hydropower in 2018 organisations and hydropower Chief Executive
6 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 7
Executive summary
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Vieux-Emosson dam and reservoir in Valais,
Switzerland. Credit: © Alpiq.
Electricity generation from hydropower sources
reached record heights in 2018.
Key trends and developments Understanding hydropower’s Building resilience to climate change Turbo-charging the energy The digital revolution
benefits transition FASTEST GROWING
In 2018, electricity generation from Hydropower produces almost The global hydropower fleet COUNTRIES BY NEW
hydropower reached an estimated Hydropower delivers a range two-thirds of the world’s renewable Pumped hydropower storage has is adapting to a new era of INSTALLED CAPACITY
4,200 terawatt hours (TWh), setting of benefits to society and the electricity generation and is making proven to be an essential component digitalised design, operations and IN 2018
the highest ever contribution from a environment. Power-related a major contribution to delivering on for modern and future clean energy maintenance. Digitalisation will be
renewable energy source. benefits include clean and flexible the ambition of the Paris Agreement systems. The significant increase in instrumental in helping to bring
China
generation and storage, as well as and the Sustainable Development variable renewable electricity sources new efficiencies to clean energy
An estimated 21.8 gigawatts (GW) of
reduced dependence on fossil fuels Goals. Without this contribution, the like wind and solar coupled with generation.
hydropower capacity was put into
and avoidance of pollutants. objective of limiting climate change to their displacement of conventional
operation last year, including nearly Read more on pages 34-35.
1.5 or 2 degrees above pre-industrial generators has put increasing
8.54 GW
2 GW of pumped storage, bringing More challenging to quantify are
levels would likely be out of reach. pressure on power grids and Regional cooperation in power
the world’s total installed capacity to the non-power benefits associated
underlined the need for pumped markets
1,292 gigawatts (GW). with a hydropower project. These Hydropower projects offer countries
hydropower ‘water batteries’.
include economic improvements protection against the impacts of by Integrating electricity markets
The East Asia and Pacific region
to livelihoods and local supply climate change and extreme weather, While we are witnessing renewed through regional interconnections
once again held its position as
chains, enhanced navigation and such as floods and drought, however interest in pumped hydropower
Brazil
helps countries use hydropower and
the fastest growing last year, with
transportation, and investment in variable climate conditions also make as the technology evolves to other renewable energy resources
9.2 GW of hydropower installed
community services. Freshwater these projects susceptible to climate ensure grid stability, markets more efficiently. The Nordic Power
capacity added. It was followed by
management benefits including risks due to their dependency on around the world have been slow Market offers a blueprint for other
3.87 GW
South America (4.9 GW), South and
supply for homes, industry and precipitation and runoff. to recognise and reward its value, world regions to follow.
Central Asia (4.0 GW), Europe (2.2
agriculture, and mitigation against pointing to deficiencies in how
GW), Africa (1.0 GW) and North and New guidance for the hydropower Read more on pages 38-39.
floods and drought. liberalised markets are incentivising
Central America (0.6 GW). sector published by IHA will
development. Local capacity in sustainable
With the goal of improving support operators and investors to
Forty-eight countries added
hydropower capacity in 2018. The
countries with the highest individual
understanding about the
underreported benefits of
demonstrate robust ways of achieving
climate resilience. This will address the
If pumped hydropower storage is
to continue to deliver grid services,
hydropower
Capacity-building among local
Pakistan 2.49 GW
hydropower, IHA is undertaking a need for international good practice either through existing or new stakeholders and institutions
increases in installed capacity were
China (8.5 GW) and Brazil (3.7 GW).
Among the top five were Pakistan
global study of projects categorised
as either single or multi-purpose,
on how to assess climate risks and
incorporate resilience into project
projects, the market framework
and regulatory treatment of this
supports the regional development
of water and energy services, guided Turkey 1.09 GW
for example providing power planning, design, and operations. technology will need to evolve by international good practices in
(2.5 GW), Turkey (1.1 GW) and
Angola (0.7 GW).
generation, water supply, irrigation
To be launched at the 2019
accordingly. Pumped storage should sustainability. Angola 0.67 GW
and flood control. not be seen merely as a back-up
World Hydropower Congress, the Read more on pages 40-43.
With Brazil reaching 104 GW
Multi-purpose hydropower projects Hydropower Sector Climate Resilience
generator or a provider of ancillary Tajikistan 0.61 GW
in installed capacity, the South grid services, but as a resource that
predominate in South and Central Guide has been tested by project
American nation has now overtaken
Asia, whereas South America has the operators around the world, with
provides benefits across a whole Ecuador 0.56 GW
the United States (103 GW) as spectrum of roles within local and
lowest percentage of multi-purpose technical and financial support from India 0.54 GW
the second largest country by regional water and energy systems.
dams. While most hydropower the European Bank for Reconstruction
hydropower capacity.
projects were built for a single and Development (EBRD) and the Read more on pages 36-37.
See the map on pages 48-51 and the purpose, a significant share were World Bank and its Korea Green
tables on pages 100-101 for data for constructed to support additional Growth Trust Fund.
each country and region. services, or were later recognised to
Read more on pages 32-33.
provide these services.
Read more on pages 30-31.
2018 HIGHLIGHTS
4, 200 TWh 1,292 GW 160.3 GW 21.8 GW 1.9 GW The Rogun hydropower
Electricity generated from Global hydropower Global pumped storage Capacity added in 2018, Pumped storage capacity project under construction in
hydropower in 2018 installed capacity installed capacity including pumped storage added in 2018 Tajikistan. Credit: PA Images.
8 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 9
Executive summary
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Regional trends in brief
North and Central America South America Africa Europe South and Central Asia East Asia and Pacific
Hydropower remains the dominant South America was the second fastest Africa has the highest percentage As variable renewables continue Installed hydropower capacity in South East Asia and the Pacific again saw
electricity source across North and growing region, adding 4,855 MW in of untapped technical hydropower their rapid growth, hydropower is and Central Asia grew by almost 4 the highest annual increase in
Central America, although year-on- installed hydropower capacity in 2018. potential in the world. 1,009 MW was increasingly recognised in Europe for GW in 2018, continuing the growth hydropower installed capacity in 2018.
year growth in hydropower installed added in 2018, bringing total installed its flexible services to maintain secure, trajectory from 2017.
Brazil contributed 80 per cent of the 9.2 GW was added last year, bringing
capacity is the lowest on a global scale. capacity to 36.3 GW. affordable and sustainable energy
region’s added hydropower capacity India categorised large hydropower total installed capacity across the
In 2018, 575 MW of conventional and is the second fastest growing In 2018, Angola commissioned two supply. projects as renewable energy, which region to over 480 GW. The region
hydropower capacity was added in country in the world after China. Brazil more power generating units for the Europe added an estimated 2.2 GW in along with supporting measures, also accounted for over a third of the
Canada, while the United States and has now overtaken the USA as the 2,070 MW Laúca hydropower station. 2018, including 384 MW of pumped signifies a major step forward in world’s total hydropower generation.
Central America added a further 80 world’s second largest country by Once fully operational in 2019, it storage, of installed capacity in 2018, national policy.
Over 90 per cent of the added
MW in 2018. installed hydropower capacity. will provide over 25 per cent of the bringing the total to 252 GW, including Pakistan’s installed hydropower capacity came from China, including
country’s electric installed capacity. 57.4 GW pumped storage.
Canada has four major hydropower Climate variability has increased the capacity grew by over 25 per cent in 1.5 GW from pumped storage, which
projects under construction, which will need for regional interconnections to Several modernisation projects Turkey led the region in new installed 2018 alone, as large-scale projects increased its total installed capacity to
add another 2,900 MW of capacity over import electricity from countries with were completed in 2018, including capacity additions, adding over 1 GW came online boosting grid supply 352 GW.
the next five years. growing surpluses like Bolivia, and the 300 MW Kariba South Bank at greenfield sites. capacity.
Significant activity took place in
diversify renewable energy sources in expansion project in Zimbabwe, the
New legislation introduced in the Austria added significant new and Tajikistan passed an important Myanmar where, after some delay,
countries such as Argentina and Chile. 32 MW Mwadingusha plant in the
US Congress formally recognises innovative pumped storage capacity milestone with the construction of the the government issued a notice to
Democratic Republic of Congo and
hydropower in the definition of There is increasing need for to support wind and solar and overall Rogun hydropower project, as the first proceed for both the 1,050 MW Shweli
the 36 MW Nkula project in Malawi.
renewable energy and facilitates modernisation of ageing large system efficiency, including the 360 600 MW unit entered into operation. 3 and the 60 MW Deeoke projects.
a timelier process for new project hydropower infrastructure to extend In Uganda, construction of the 183.2 MW Obervermuntwerk II project. Across Central Asia, there is growing Cambodia took an important step
approvals and existing project asset life and boost electricity MW Isimba project was completed
Norway completed the 370 MW interest in regional interconnections forward in achieving its energy
relicensing. The US Department of generation to cope with growing and it was commissioned in March
Lysebotn II project, which replaced and power markets for hydropower goals with the commissioning of the
Energy has placed increased emphasis electricity demand. 2019.
its 210 MW predecessor. Iceland development, including bilateral 400 MW Lower Sesan II project, the
on grid reliability and flexibility
Initially set to be commissioned In Cameroon, the 200 MW Memve’ele added 100 MW at the Búrfell II project, agreements signed between BBIN country’s largest hydropower project.
attributes provided by pumped
in 2018, the 2,400 MW Ituango project was completed, with the first utilising existing infrastructure from countries (Bhutan-Bangladesh-India-
hydropower. Australia continued to progress with
hydropower plant in Colombia 80 MW put into operation in April Búrfell I. Nepal) in South Asia, and construction
the development of several pumped
Several Central American countries, suffered a three-year delay following 2019. of the CASA 1000 cross-border
In the Iberian peninsula hydropower storage projects, with Snowy Hydro’s
including Costa Rica, Guatemala and a series of events in May that resulted transmission project.
Egypt inaugurated the 32 MW New generation recovered after a significant 2,000 MW ‘Snowy 2.0’ project receiving
Panama, produce the majority of their in the untimely filling of the reservoir,
Assiut Barrage project and contracts period of drought in the previous year. Modernisation programmes at large, the green light to proceed in early
electricity from renewable sources, affecting communities downstream.
were signed for the 2,400 MW Ataqa older stations continued across Russia, 2019.
largely due to hydropower. Steps have been taken to mitigate In France, major projects under
pumped storage project. Georgia and other Central Asian
the damage and Hidroituango is construction include the 92 MW Across the Pacific, in Fiji, the Solomon
Under the leadership of new President countries, with some rehabilitated
progressing with project works. The region’s total hydropower Romanche-Gavet hydropower plant, Islands and Samoa, a number of small
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexico units coming back into service in 2018.
installed capacity is expected to grow and the 330 MW La Coche pumped hydropower projects are under active
plans on significantly increasing In Brazil, a group of hydropower
by over 40 GW over the next two to storage plant, which will add a 240 MW Read more on pages 84-91. development.
hydropower generation by building developers and operators formed
three years due to major new projects turbine.
new plants and rehabilitating existing the Forum for the Development Read more on pages 92-99.
coming online.
facilities. of Midsize Hydropower Plants to Read more on pages 76-83.
strengthen private sector investments Read more on pages 68-75.
Read more on pages 52-59.
in hydropower.
Read more on pages 60-67.
The Cambambe power station in
Angola. Credit: Voith Hydro.
10 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 11
Hydropower Status Report 2019
HYDROPOWER KEY FACTS
NEW INSTALLED CAPACITY BY REGION (MW)
HYDROPOWER INSTALLED CAPACITY WORLDWIDE East Asia
and Pacific
9,169 MW
REST OF THE WORLD 269
South America 4,855 MW
CHINA 352
South and
COLOMBIA 12 Central Asia 3,962 MW
IRAN 12
MEXICO 12
Europe 2,202 MW 21.8 GW
Africa 1,009 MW Total new installed
4,200
AUSTRIA 15 capacity (2018)
VENEZUELA 15 North and
Central America 620 MW
SWEDEN 16
VIETNAM 17 T Wh
SWITZERLAND 17
SPAIN 20 s2ta0ll1ed8 capa
city NEW INSTALLED CAPACITY BY COUNTRY (MW)
in
New
ITALY 23
FRANCE 26
TURKEY 28
BRAZIL 104
NORWAY 32
RUSSIA 49 UNITED
INDIA 50 STATES 103 1,085
8,540 3,866 2,487 668 605 556 535 419 401
JAPAN 50 CANADA 81
China Brazil Pakistan Turkey Angola Tajikistan Ecuador India Norway Canada
Hydropower installed capacity (GW) of top 20 countries and
rest of the world including pumped storage in 2018. 1,292 Total hydropower
installed capacity in 2018
Source: IHA 2018 GW
HYDROPOWER GROWTH THROUGHOUT THE DECADES
PUMPED HYDROPOWER STORAGE WORLDWIDE
1500 4500
4000
1250
160.3 GW 3500
Annual average generation (TWh)
37.2 Rest of the World
1000 3000
30.0 China
Capacity (GW)
Total worldwide 27.6 Japan 2500
hydropower 22.9 United States 750
pumped storage 2000
in 2018 7.6 Italy
7.0 France 500 1500
6.8 Germany
6.2 Spain 1000
250
5.5 Austria
500
4.8 India
4.7 South Korea 0 0
1950-1959 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999 2000-2009 2010-2018
Pumped hydropower storage capacity (GW) of top 10 countries and rest of the world in 2018.
Added capacity Cumulative capacity Annual average generation
Source: IHA 2018. (GW) (GW) (TWh)
12 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 13
HYDROPOWER BENEFITS ELECTRICITY GENERATION Source: IEA 2019
HYDROPOWER KEY FACTS
Hydropower is the world’s largest source of renewable electricity generation
Affordable and reliable energy
15.9%
Hydropower is the lowest cost source of electricity generation in many markets,
with a global weighted average cost of USD 0.05 per kWh for new hydropower of global
projects (IRENA 2018).
RENEWABLE electricity was
ELECTRICITY produced by
hydropower
Enabling solar, wind and other renewables
Hydropower supports growth in variable renewables such as wind and
solar, meeting demand when these sources are unavailable. 25.6%
4.6% WIND
74.4% MORE THAN
Protecting from floods and drought 2.5% BIOMASS
WASTE
AND
ALL OTHER
The storage infrastructure provided by a hydropower reservoir mitigates against
2.1% SOLAR PV RENEWABLES
the risks posed by climate change, including extreme weather events such as FOSSIL
floods and drought. FUELS AND COMBINED
NUCLEAR 0.5% OTHER
RENEWABLES
Managing freshwater responsibly
Hydropower provides a vital means of safely managing freshwater, REDUCING EMISSIONS Source: IPCC 2014 / *IHA 2018
providing water supply for homes, businesses and agriculture.
850
18.5*
Median lifecycle carbon equivalent intensity
750 820 490 230 48 38 11
Boost to economic growth and jobs
COAL
GAS
BIOMASS
SOLAR PV
GEOTHERMAL
HYDROPOWER
WIND ONSORE
The hydropower industry employs a reported 1.8 million workers worldwide, 650
and many more in connected supply chains (IRENA 2018).
(gCO2-eq/kWh)
550
450
Avoiding pollutants and emissions
Hydropower is a low-carbon technology which helps to offset the 350
carbon emissions and pollutants caused by fossil fuels.
250
150
Improving infrastructure and waterways
Hydropower development delivers greater regional connectivity in distribution 0
and transport networks. Hydropower has one of the lowest lifecycle GHG emissions per kilowatt hour among all energy sources
Enhancing cooperation between countries
AVOIDING POLLUTION Source: IHA 2018
Long distance electricity transmission across national boundaries
promotes strong inter-governmental cooperation. Using hydropower instead
4 BILLION
If hydropower of coal each year avoids:
was replaced
Community investments in rural areas
with burning
coal, up to
TONNES
of additional greenhouse gases
PM2.5 148 million tonnes
of particulates
Hydropower development can bolster investment in local communities,
including education, healthcare and other services.
would be emitted per year PM10 62 million tonnes
of sulfur dioxide
SOx
NOx 8 million tonnes
10%
of nitrogen oxide
and global
emmisions from
Recreational activities and tourism fossil fuels and
HIGHER
Hydropower reservoirs can offer regional development through the creation industry would
of tourism, recreational activities and fisheries. be at least
14 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 15Policy perspectives
POLICY PERSPECTIVES
View from Canada
Canada’s clean energy priorities need
hydropower
The Canadian government will work with international
partners to promote opportunities for hydropower,
eliminate barriers for renewable energy, and share best
practices and benefits around the world, writes the
Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources.
With its vast landmass and years, Canada has been developing create new, long-term economic Canada is well on its way to realising
diverse geography, Canada has an its water resources to produce clean, opportunities from coast to coast this vision and hydropower is
abundance of renewable energy sustainable, reliable and affordable while helping to reduce reliance at the forefront of our energy
sources that are helping power our electricity. on diesel fuel in off-grid, rural and transformation. Currently, six
Caribou Falls Generating
Station, Ontario. communities. That is part of Canada’s remote communities. Canadian provinces and territories
Hydropower generates tremendous
Credit: OPG. natural advantage; we not only have generate more than 94 per cent White Dog Falls Generating
economic opportunities and provides
abundant resources, we have the of their electricity from renewable Station, Ontario.
thousands of jobs in communities
expertise and experience to develop sources. This creates opportunities Credit: OPG.
across the country – all the while
those resources – sustainably and for more trade in clean electricity
helping to ensure low electricity
competitively. between provinces and territories,
Hydropower is a great example of
prices for Canadians. In fact, six
out of every 10 Canadian homes Hydropower is while boosting our economy,
creating jobs and protecting our
that advantage. For close to 140 and businesses are powered by
hydropower. at the forefront environment.
We are also using technologies that
The industry has also built new
partnerships by developing projects
with indigenous communities that
of our energy improve the reliability, resiliency and
flexibility of our new renewables-
sourced energy systems. This
transformation technology will allow us to increase
our energy security and provide
consumers with a wider range of
energy choices.
For all of these reasons, our
government sees a bright future
In 2017, our government launched
for Canada’s hydropower industry
Generation Energy, a nationwide
– at home and abroad. We will
conversation on Canada’s energy
continue with international partners
future. More than 380,000
to promote these opportunities,
individuals participated, including
eliminate barriers for renewable
experts, industry stakeholders, and
energy, and share best practices and
indigenous people. Their views were
benefits around the world.
heard and included, and the final
report outlines four clean energy
paths to Canada’s energy future –
including the use of more renewable
energy like hydropower.
16 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 17Policy perspectives
POLICY PERSPECTIVES
View from Indonesia
Indonesia promotes hydropower to create
the demand for industrial development
The Indonesian government’s strategy for hydropower
development aims at boosting industrial growth, reducing
carbon emissions and achieving energy independence,
writes Honourable Bambang P. Soemantri Brodjonegoro,
Minister of National Development Planning.
Electricity infrastructure plays Until 2017, the total installed create demand. Timika in Papua,
a pivotal role in development. capacity of national power plants Konawe in Sulawesi and Kayan
It provides and conveys energy reached around 60.8 GW. PLN, the in North Kalimantan regions are
for increasing prosperity and Indonesian state-owned electricity examples of potential locations for
encouraging economic activities. company, generated around 41.7 increasing demand. In these areas
Indonesia’s National Long-Term GW (68.6 per cent), and independent mining activities and industrial
Development Plan 2005-2025 power producers and other smelting could be supported by
mandates the fulfilment of reliable providers generated around 19.1 hydropower projects with a large
and efficient electricity supply GW (31.4 per cent). Based on the capacity. The goal is to increase
according to needs and increased type of energy source, hydropower the competitiveness of industry by
access to equitable energy services. plants (including mini hydro and creating low cost electricity.
micro hydro) produced around
The National Energy Policy It is expected that the private
5.45 GW (8.8 per cent). The biggest
(NEP) 2014-2050 underlines the sector can participate in 10 per cent; and import duty
hydropower potential is located in
principles of fairness, sustainability projects as independent power exemptions for equipment and
Papua Island (22.4 GW), Kalimantan
and environmental protection producers through Public Private
in achieving national energy
independence and security. The
Island (21.6 GW), Sumatera Island
(15.6 GW) and Sulawesi Island (10.2
Partnership (PPP) schemes. PPP
schemes themselves continue to
machinery that cannot be produced
in Indonesia. The critical point
GW), while Java-Bali is 4.2 GW and It is expected that these various
government targets at least 23
per cent in 2025 – and 31 per cent
Nusa Tenggara-Maluku is 1.1 GW.
undergo transformation in their
implementation in Indonesia, policies could accelerate the
development of hydropower
in developing
in 2050 – the portion of new and If we consider the requirements marked by the issuance of The weir of the 56 MW run-of-
renewable energy in our national
energy mix.
of our industrial zones or specific
economic zones, electricity demand
Presidential Regulation No. 38
regarding cooperation between
sustainably and create a big impact
in our economic development. hydropower is river Semangka hydropower
plant in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Credit: Voith Hydro.
will be drastically increased. For government with business entities The critical point in developing
As part of the G20, Indonesia has
ratified international agreements
example, domestic demand in
Kayan-North Kalimantan is only 60
in providing infrastructure. hydropower is making sure
that the project is ready and making sure
in the field of environmental The Government of Indonesia has attractive for investment. Thus,
protection, especially in reducing
CO2 emissions. Under the
MW but when the industrial zone
is developed, demand will increase
to 1,000 MW. This demand could be
formulated several policies for
incentivising the private sector in
the comprehensive assessment
of social, technical, economic and
that the project
Paris Agreement, Indonesia the development of renewable
has committed to reduce GHG
emissions by 29 per cent in 2030
covered by the hydropower plant on
the Kayan River which has potential
energy. Namely: developers can
obtain a 5 per cent reduction in the
environmental aspects should be
promoted. is ready and
to deliver up to 6,000 MW. We look forward to cooperating
from “business as usual”. Therefore,
a reduction in the use of fossil fuel In the Draft of the National Mid-
income tax rate for their investment
each year for a period of six years; more productively with the
International Hydropower
attractive for
energy by increasing and promoting Term Development Plan 2020- accelerated depreciation of fixed
the use of new and renewable
energy is critical.
2024, the strategy for hydropower
development is to be changed
assets can be completed within ten
years; the income tax on dividends
Association (IHA) to accelerate the
development of hydropower in investment
to not just follow demand, but to for foreign investors is at Indonesia.
18 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 19Policy perspectives
POLICY PERSPECTIVES
The upper-dam site for
the planned Upper Arun
Hydroelectric Project.
Credit: CSPDR-SINOTECH JV in
View from Nepal association with SOIL TEST.
Ensuring access to affordable, reliable
and sustainable energy
Nepal’s government is seeking to attract investment in
the country’s vast hydropower resources, while exploring
regional energy interconnections, as a way of reducing
reliance on fossil fuels, increasing off-grid access, and
reaching middle-income status, writes H.E. Barsha Man
Pun, Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
In Nepal, after having enabled a prospective independent power solar, and wind as complementary direct investments in the sector. electricity trade. We believe
political environment with a new producers. Out of these, around 2.4 to the strengthening and expansion that these developments shall
Over the past couple of years,
constitution and the formation of GW is expected to be online within of the grid electricity distribution give confidence to prospective
we have accelerated the pace
government at federal, provincial the next four years. system. developers.
of reforms in the sector. Even
and local levels, overall economic
In the energy mix for the year 2016, The optimum exploitation of though it has been challenging to We are working to have a regional or
development is now the foremost
the total energy produced was hydropower resources with seasonal unbundle the sole public utility in sub-regional power interconnection.
priority. The present government’s
around 13 million tonnes of oil and daily storage capacities along the sector, we have been successful We are signatory to the South
campaign for a ‘prosperous Nepal
equivalent (MTOE), out of which the with the use of locally available in creating a generation company Asian Association for Regional
and happy Nepali’ cannot be
majority, around 66 per cent, came renewable energy sources like solar and a transmission grid company. Cooperation (SAARC) Framework
realised without the complete
from fuel wood. The contribution and wind will be the key factor for Seven distribution companies are Agreement on Energy Cooperation,
economic transformation of the
country. Energy, being the key driver
for economic development, has
of energy from renewables and
electricity accounted for little
a stronger and stable energy mix.
This will greatly reduce our heavy
now being planned to function
in different provinces. Legal
and also party to the understanding
reached for the establishment
In five years, we
over 6 per cent. For our energy dependence on imported fossil fuels instruments are already in place of the Bay of Bengal Initiative
become the main area of focus for
the government. We are committed
requirement for the year 2050,
estimated at around 17 MTOE, we
through substitution with clean and
renewable energy sources. By the
for the formation of a regulatory
mechanism in the electricity sector
for Multi-Sector Technical and
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
intend to provide
to adequate energy production and
supply of electricity to achieve the
accelerated double-digit growth of
intend to source 33 per cent of it
from electricity and renewables
next ten years, we are planning to
develop 10,000 MW of generation
through which the Electricity
Regulation Commission will become
Grid Interconnection. Eventually,
such sub-regional or regional access to 100
next to 34 per cent from fuel wood for domestic consumption alone, functional very soon. interconnections should help us to
the Nepalese economy.
Nature has bestowed enormous
and biomass. Thus, we foresee a
substantial dominance of electricity
with another 5,000 MW for cross-
border trading.
One of the basic policies of the
government is to promote private
optimise our power systems and
lower operating costs. per cent of the
hydropower potential, of about and renewables in the projected
83 GW, on us. Of this about 42
GW is deemed technically and
energy mix for the target year 2050.
We have initiated a programme,
‘Nepal’s Water - Citizen’s
investments in the power sector. To
that end, we have investor-friendly
We envision Nepal to be an
enterprise-friendly middle-income population
The Government of Nepal has set Investment’, through which we regulations which treat national country by 2030. We are populated
economically feasible. We have
targets in the power sector for the aim to mobilise financial resources and foreign parties on par. We by a vibrant and youthful middle-
been able to develop about 1.1
next ten years. In five years, we from the public as an equity share have been successful in opening class with absolute poverty in the
GW of installed capacity with a few
intend to provide access to 100 per for hydropower development, up opportunities for accessing low single digits and decreasing.
pondage run-of-river projects and
cent of the population through a creating opportunities for people’s neighbouring power markets Under this overarching vision,
numerous run-of-river projects.
mix of grid and off-grid systems. In participation, and to develop a beyond our political borders. The Nepal is continuously pursuing to
The storage facility of Nepal’s
the meantime, we are implementing sense of ownership in hydropower Power Trade and Transmission meet, among others, the target of
power system accounts only for
several transmission and distribution development. Investment that can Interconnection Agreement Sustainable Development Goal 7
92 MW. On the brighter side, with
system reinforcement projects to be generated within Nepal is limited, with India and understandings which deals with ensuring access to
the encouraging involvement of
provide reliable electricity services so is the case for debt as domestic reached with China as well as affordable, reliable, sustainable and
the private sector, around 2.5 GW
to the people. The government is lending is inadequate for the with Bangladesh for cooperation modern energy for all.
of installed capacity is actively
considering distributed electricity development of larger projects. This in the power sector have laid
undergoing construction by
generation through micro-hydro, clearly points to the need for foreign the foundation for cross-border
20 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 21Policy perspectives
POLICY PERSPECTIVES
Uganda’s President Yoweri
Museveni plants a tree
during an inauguration
ceremony for the Isimba
Hydropower Plant in March
View from Uganda 2019. Credit: PA Images.
Access to electricity is inextricably linked
to socio-economic transformation
The Government of Uganda is committed to the sustainable
development of its hydropower resources. Like many
countries in Africa however, Uganda faces challenges in
raising investment capital and enhancing local technical
and management capacity, writes Honourable Minister of
Energy and Mineral Development Irene Nafuna Muloni.
Access to clean energy in general hydropower dates back to 1947 Additionally, hydropower is sensitive
and electricity in particular is an with the first two hydropower plants to the climate driven hydrological Authority (NEMA) is in place to Kiba (290 MW). Regarding small for the past 65 years and has the
essential input in the growth and being commissioned in 1954 – the cycle thus necessitating proper ensure that resettlement and hydropower projects, the current lowest tariff in the energy mix.
economic, social and political Owen Falls plant, now Nalubaale, management of the river catchment environmental issues are well policy is that their development
Therefore, for Uganda to achieve
development of a country. with a capacity of 150 MW, and areas. The prolonged drought addressed during the development is undertaken by the private
sustainable development, the
Electricity is inextricably linked to Mobuku I with a capacity of 5 MW experienced in Uganda between of these projects. sector. The Renewable Energy
hydropower resources that remain
socio-economic transformation at which was to supply electricity 2003 and 2007 led to a decline in Feed-in Tariffs (REFiT) are in place
To ensure that we develop untapped will have to be developed
individual household and business to the copper mines of Kilembe hydropower generation of over 60 to promote investment in small
our hydropower resources in so as to bring to fruition plans
levels, as well as at aggregate in western Uganda. Over the last per cent, thus necessitating the hydropower and other renewable
a sustainable manner, in 2010 aimed at increasing access to
national level. three decades, there has been deployment of expensive thermal power projects.
the government undertook a electricity and per capita electricity
significant growth of power demand power to reduce load shedding
As a critical input in the hydropower development master The current contribution of consumption, and to contribute to
in Uganda, averaging 8 per cent per which had negatively impacted our
development process, electricity plan study. The study targeted sites hydropower in Uganda’s electricity the achievement of the Sustainable
annum. The majority of this demand economic growth.
consumption has multiplier effects above 50 MW mainly along the River generation mix is 87 per cent. This Development Goals.
has been met by the construction of
on the economy. For a country To address the challenge of Nile. The objective of the study was figure will go up to 92 per cent
additional hydropower generating
to have adequate and reliable financing, the Government of to prepare a master plan that is in once Karuma is commissioned.
plants which included: the
electricity supply that matches Uganda put in place an Energy line with the long-term power and Hydropower is a key component
refurbishment of Owen Falls dam
demand, it calls for deliberate Investment Fund which enabled transmission development plan. The in electricity generation expansion
policies and efforts to plan and
develop electricity generation
and increasing its capacity to 180
MW, and the development of Kiira
(200 MW), which was commissioned
us to commence the construction
of Bujagali hydropower plant as
hydropower master plan prioritised
potential hydropower sites based on
plan in line with our Vision 2040
strategy.
Hydropower
capacity based primarily on national we awaited financial closure. The technical, environmental, economic
natural energy resources.
in 2000, Bujagali hydropower plant
(250 MW), commissioned in 2012,
250 MW Bujagali hydropower plant
was developed under a public-
and financial aspects, to prepare
preliminary designs thereof, and to
There is still over 2,000 MW of
hydropower that is yet to be will continue to
According to the International and a number of small hydropower developed. Hydropower will
Energy Agency’s World Energy
Outlook report of 2018, hydropower
projects totalling 107 MW.
The key challenges for hydropower
private—partnership arrangement
with Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL).
The plant tremendously reduced
build government capacity in this
field.
therefore continue to play a
critical role in providing electricity
play a critical
is the largest renewable electricity In line with the hydropower master in Uganda in the medium term
generation resource, meeting about
16 per cent of global electricity
development in Uganda, and
most countries in Africa, include
our reliance on expensive thermal
power. Additional investment capital
plan, the government is fast-tracking
the development of the identified
because of a number of benefits,
such as its proven technology,
role in providing
the need for substantial up-front has been attracted through bilateral
demand, followed by wind, solar
PV and bio-energy. This trend
investment capital which cannot
easily be raised by the sector, as
financing with our development
partners. The challenge of
hydropower sites. We are currently
implementing two key flagship
high efficiency, low operation and
maintenance costs, high flexibility, electricity in
is expected to continue in the hydropower projects namely, Isimba ability to be designed with a
well as environmental and social inadequate technical capacity has
medium term which therefore
calls for sustainable development
concerns such as the resettlement
and compensations of persons
been addressed by putting in place
a local content policy to ensure the
(183.2 MW) and Karuma (600 MW).
Other large hydropower plants
large storage capacity to cater for
peak time demand, and due to its Uganda
and utilisation of the hydropower being packaged for development high reliability. For example, the
affected by the projects, and participation of Ugandans during
resource. include Ayago (840 MW), Orianga Nalubaale hydropower project has
inadequate local implementation construction of the projects. The
(392 MW), Uhuru (350 MW) and been providing electricity to Uganda
For Uganda, the development of experience and technical capacity. National Environment Management
22 | International Hydropower Association | Hydropower Status Report 2019 | 23Policy perspectives
POLICY PERSPECTIVES
The Salto Grande
Hydroelectric Complex on
the Uruguay River between
Argentina and Uruguay.
View from Uruguay
The role of hydropower in the commitment
to sustainable development
Almost 100 per cent of Uruguay’s electricity is generated from
hydropower and other renewable resources. Hydropower’s
role is not just historic, writes Honourable Minister of Industry,
Energy and Mining Dr Guillermo Moncecchi, it will continue
to provide a platform to develop non-conventional renewables
and achieve sustainable development.
Although the discussion between effectively operative, this indicator power generation capacity (in fact surplus of renewable generation small-scale hydroelectric plants is
historians and linguists over exceeds 85 per cent in the case of internationally, Denmark, Uruguay, opens additional opportunities not only compliant with the United
whether the country´s name in Uruguay. All of the above shows Portugal and Ireland, in that order, to the decarbonisation of other Nations’ Sustainable Development
guaraní, Uruguay, refers to the that Uruguay has developed its have the largest share of wind sectors of the economy in which Goal (SDG) 7, but also responds
‘river of snails’ or the ‘river of birds’ hydroelectric resource at an early resource in the electricity mix). In it is more challenging to achieve to the water-food-energy nexus
is not settled, there is no doubt
that etymologically, the name of
stage, practically reaching its
large-scale operation capacity. As a
addition, generation capacities from
biomass and photovoltaic solar are
transformation. initiative through the promotion of
new multi-purpose power plants
Hydroelectric
Between 2014 and 2017, a study was
this country shows a close link to consequence, its historical electric developed. destined for irrigation crops and
the natural resource water. This
link has a technical correlation, the
mix presents sustainability indicators
that are more than satisfactory in
As a result of this process, today
conducted on the complementarity
of renewable sources and the
drinking water for consumption
by the population, which also
power in
our country shows with satisfaction demand for electrical energy,
first hydroelectric plant in South
America, Cuñapirú Dam, was
international terms.
However, the impact of hydroelectric
that, in average terms in the last
years, 98 per cent of electric energy
which evidenced, on one hand, a
strong complementarity between
include the possibility of electricity
generation. The implementation of Uruguay has
inaugurated in 1882 in association these new ventures does not only
generation on the sustainability has come from renewable sources hydroelectric and solar resources.
with a mining enterprise in Uruguay,
and kept in operation until 1918.
of the Uruguayan electricity mix
does not end there, but presents
and 99.8 per cent of the population
has access to electric power. The
On the other hand, it identified that
by managing energy storage or
improve the sustainability of the
energy sector, but also responds not only had a
to the need for adaptation of a key
At the beginning of the twentieth
century, Uruguay reinforced this
two additional dimensions. On
one hand it is the base on which,
share of hydroelectric energy in
the electric mix is approximately
demand it is possible to eliminate
or significantly reduce the inclusion
sector of our economy in a country
that, with 3.5 million inhabitants,
relevant role in
commitment, commissioning more recently, Uruguay has carried 50 per cent in an average year, of new thermal generation plants
the past, but also
produces food for more than 30
studies that concluded with the out a very dynamic incorporation which complements 27 per cent of in the next 30 years. Among other
million people in the world.
construction, around the middle of of sources of non-conventional electricity generated from wind, 18 technological alternatives that
the century, of three hydroelectric renewable energies. On the other per cent from biomass, 3 per cent could contribute to reach this In short, hydroelectric power
plants. Those generation plants,
together with the implementation
hand, the construction of the
binational power plant has been
from solar power and approximately
2 per cent from thermal power
objective, are pumped storage
power plants. Uruguay is currently
in Uruguay has not only had a
relevant role in the past, ensuring
in the present
of a binational dam with Argentina, the driver for the development plants using fossil fuels. working actively in the assessment the sustainability of the electricity
have allowed Uruguay to be among of regional interconnection of alternatives aimed at the mix, but also in the present, acting
Simultaneously, Uruguay has
a group of countries with both infrastructure, a very valuable accumulation and management as a platform to develop non-
changed the role that it traditionally
the largest installed capacity and component to progress in of demand. It advanced in the conventional renewable energies,
occupied in the region as an
hydroelectric generation per capita the integration of other non- identification of potentially useable redoubling the commitment to
energy sink, and since 2013 it has
in the region. manageable sources of renewable sites in the medium term for the comply with the SDGs.
continued without interruption to
generation. location of plants that allow for the
Recent studies carried out by the be a net exporter of electricity to
daily variability of energy demand.
Latin American Energy Organization, Thus today, Uruguay, based on Argentina and Brazil. Additionally,
OLADE, show that, while at a Latin the execution of its energy policy, in the short term, the possibility In this context, our commitment to
American level 25 per cent of presents a ratio of approximately of advancing the electrification the future of the development of
potential generation capacity is 1:1 between hydroelectric and wind of other uses by orienting a
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