Global Hydro Power Plants

There are currenly 7,037 Hydro power plants across the globe with a total capacity of 1042389.4 MW.

What is hydropower?

Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, is a form of renewable energy that generates electricity by harnessing the power of moving water. It involves the conversion of the energy in flowing water into electrical energy using turbines and generators.

The process of generating hydropower typically involves constructing a dam or other structure that creates a reservoir or a flow of water with significant potential energy. The stored or flowing water is then directed through turbines, which spin and generate electricity. The amount of electricity generated depends on the amount of water flowing through the turbines and the height of the dam or reservoir, which determines the potential energy of the water.

Hydropower is a widely used form of renewable energy, accounting for about 16% of the world's electricity generation. It is also a flexible and reliable source of energy that can be used for both large-scale and small-scale electricity generation. Additionally, it provides a range of other benefits, such as flood control, irrigation, and water supply for drinking and agriculture.

How much electricity is generated from hydropower each year?

According to the latest data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global hydropower capacity reached 1,308 GW at the end of 2020, generating 4,366 TWh of electricity annually.

Wich country is the largest producer of hydroelectric power?

The largest hydropower producer is China, with an installed capacity of 356 GW and an annual generation of 1,348 TWh. Other leading hydropower producers include Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Russia.

What is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world?

The largest hydroelectric power plant in the world is the Three Gorges Dam located in Yiling District, Yichang, Hubei province, China. The dam spans the Yangtze River and has a total installed capacity of 22.5 GW. It consists of 32 turbine-generator units, each with a capacity of 700 MW, and is capable of generating approximately 101.6 TWh of electricity per year.

The Three Gorges Dam is also the largest power station of any kind in the world, surpassing even the largest thermal power plants. The construction of the dam began in 1994 and was completed in 2012, at a cost of approximately US$28 billion. It is a key part of China's efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and to meet its growing demand for electricity.

Is hydropower is a renewable energy source?

The generation of hydroelectric power utilize the natural energy of water flowing or falling to generate electricity, which is replenished by the water cycle. The water used to generate electricity in hydropower plants is not consumed or depleted, but rather returned to the natural water cycle. Thus, hydropower is classified as a renewable source of energy.

Data Information

This data is a derivitive set of data gathered by source mentioned below.

Data Sources

Global Energy Observatory/Google/KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm/Enipedia/World Resources Institute/database.earth