Growth Opportunities in Hydropower, Global, 2024 2035
Modernization, Hybridization, and Digital Technologies Drive Industry Development
12-Aug-2024
Global
Market Research
KA76-01-00-00-00
EG_2024_933
Hydropower plays a critical role in facilitating the transition to a net-zero carbon future. As a renewable energy source, it contributes a significant 60% to global renewable energy production. During the past five decades, hydropower has demonstrably mitigated climate change by preventing more than 100 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which solidified its importance in decarbonization strategies.
Digitalization and technological advancements are key to revitalizing aging dams and enhancing their integration into modern electrical grids. Despite hydropower’s established role, ongoing research and development efforts aim to improve its flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness to guarantee its viability alongside emerging renewable technologies.
Small hydropower projects offer modular solutions that bring renewable energy within reach of remote areas and foster local economic development and employment opportunities. Integration with technological advancements such as network sensors, data analytics, and advanced weather forecasting can further enhance hydropower's competitiveness and sustainability, thereby ensuring reliability amidst variable weather conditions.
Looking ahead, integrating hydropower with other renewable sources such as solar and wind will prove critical in achieving energy transition goals, providing essential energy storage capabilities, and enhancing grid stability. As countries diversify their energy portfolios, hydropower remains a cornerstone technology, poised to play a pivotal role in building a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Author: Jonathan Robison
The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Hydropower Industry
| Transformative Megatrends | Disruptive Technologies | Innovative Business Models |
| Why - To try and minimize global emissions, decarbonizing electricity supply is vital. Achieving this depends on the levels of investment that can be achieved in energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. |
Why - Modernizing hydropower goes beyond making operational adjustments. Since many dams were constructed decades ago, digitalization is a priority. New developments can revitalize current infrastructure and allow hydropower to easily adjust to the needs of modern electrical grids. |
Why - Hydropower is a well-established and mature technology. Despite its maturity, technology continues to evolve, and companies are actively seeking improvements to ensure hydro's role in the future of energy. |
| Frost Perspective - Hydropower stands out as a low-carbon, renewable, and adaptable energy source, making it essential to the decarbonization process. Globally, 60% of renewable energy (RE) is generated by hydropower. - During the past 50 years, hydropower has allowed the avoidance of more than 100 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. |
Frost Perspective - Hydropower turbines can adjust their operations to a grid’s ever-changing needs by collecting and processing real-time data. - With investment in higher efficiency turbines, hydropower generation can be increased, translating to annual operational savings of $5 billion. |
Frost Perspective - Researchers and engineers are improving the operational efficiency of existing and new hydropower plants, with a focus on boosting flexibility, efficiency, lifespan, and cost-effectiveness. As these advancements occur, hydropower can adapt to new regulations and solidify its position in the energy transition. |
Scope of Analysis
| Geographic Coverage | Global |
| Study Period | 2023–2035 |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024–2035 |
| Monetary Unit | US Dollars (revenues recognized for the year a plant is commissioned, although construction of a project is multi-year) |
Market Segmentation
- Large Hydropower (LHP): Facilities that have a capacity of more than 30 megawatts (MW)
- Small Hydropower (SHP): Any hydropower project that is below 30 megawatts (MW) in size
Geographic Segmentation
- ANZ & Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands
- ASEAN: Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia
- China: China
- East Asia: Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan
- Europe: the European Union (EU 27), the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, and the remaining smaller European nations
- India & South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives
- Latin America: All of South America as well as Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
- Middle East & North Africa: All Gulf countries as well as Israel, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey; Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco
- North America: Canada and the United States
- Russia & CIS: Russia, all former members of the Soviet Union (apart from the Baltic States), Mongolia, and Afghanistan
- Sub-Saharan Africa: includes all 55 members of the African Union (apart from Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, & Morocco)
Growth Drivers
| Driver |
|---|
| As countries around the world seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change, hydropower is seen as a clean and reliable source of renewable energy, which increases demand for hydropower plants. |
| Government support in emerging and developing countries is promoting growth in the hydropower sector due to an increasing need for clean energy. |
| The increasing role of solar and wind power creates opportunities for the integration of hydropower with other RE sources. Hydropower can act as a dispatchable source as well as provide energy storage. |
| Technology improvements, such as advanced turbines and automation, will drive growth as they create a more competitive, adaptable, and sustainable landscape for hydropower plants. |
| Utilizing existing infrastructure and refurbishing hydropower plants can create additional generation capacity without high costs. |
Growth Restraints
| Restraint |
|---|
| As hydropower projects are capital-intensive and require long lead times, countries' political instability and economic uncertainty can discourage investment in hydropower. This aspect is particularly relevant in developing regions. |
| Hydropower projects, especially megaprojects, can have negative environmental impacts, such as damage to fish populations and river ecosystem loss. |
| Displacement of local communities and other social impacts can create opposition to larger hydropower projects, causing delays in their deployment. |
| Complexity in permitting and approval from governmental agencies can create constraints in the development of new and existing projects. |
| The increase of erratic rainfall and the alteration of rain patterns due to climate change can affect river flows and, consequently, hydropower projects in the long term. |
Key Industry Trends
- Moving from Greenfield Projects to Modernization
- Unlocking SHP Potential
- Technology Revolutionizing Hydropower
- Current Megaprojects Development
- Batteries in Hydropower to Supply Stability
- Platforms Enabling Weather Forecasting
Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
The Strategic Imperative 8™
The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Hydropower Industry
Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine™
Scope of Analysis
Introduction to the Hydropower Market: Background and Definitions
Introduction to the Hydropower Market: Background and Definitions (continued)
Introduction to the Hydropower Market: Background and Definitions (continued)
Hydropower Global Status
Hydropower OEMs
Key Industry Trends
Moving from Greenfield Projects to Modernization
Moving from Greenfield Projects to Modernization (continued)
Unlocking SHP Potential
Unlocking SHP Potential (continued)
Technology Revolutionizing Hydropower
Technology Revolutionizing Hydropower (continued)
Technology Revolutionizing Hydropower (continued)
Current Megaprojects Development
Current Megaprojects Development (continued)
Batteries in Hydropower to Supply Stability
Platforms Enabling Weather Forecasting
Growth Drivers
Growth Restraints
Hydropower Investment Forecast
Hydropower Investment Forecast
Hydropower Installed Capacity by Region Forecast
Hydropower Installed Capacity by Technology Forecast
Hydropower Annual Additions Capacity Forecast
Hydropower Capacity Forecast
Hydropower Capacity Forecast
Europe: Hydropower Investment Forecast
Europe: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
Latin America: Hydropower Investment Forecast
Latin America: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
North America: Hydropower Investment Forecast
North America: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
ASEAN: Hydropower Investment Forecast
ASEAN: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
China: Hydropower Investment Forecast
China: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
East Asia: Hydropower Investment Forecast
East Asia: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
India and South Asia: Hydropower Investment Forecast
India and South Asia: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
Russia & CIS: Hydropower Investment Forecast
Russia & CIS: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
Middle East & North Africa: Hydropower Investment Forecast
Middle East & North Africa: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
Sub-Saharan Africa: Hydropower Investment Forecast
Sub-Saharan Africa: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
ANZ & Pacific: Hydropower Investment Forecast
ANZ & Pacific: Hydropower Annual Additions Forecast
Key Conclusions
Growth Opportunity 1: Hydropower Modernization and Refurbishment
Growth Opportunity 1: Hydropower Modernization and Refurbishment (continued)
Growth Opportunity 2: Small Hydropower
Growth Opportunity 2: Small Hydropower (continued)
Growth Opportunity 3: Weather Forecasting Platforms
Growth Opportunity 3: Weather Forecasting Platforms (continued)
List of Exhibits
List of Exhibits (continued)
List of Exhibits (continued)
Legal Disclaimer
- Share of Global Electricity Production from Hydropower, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Age Profile of Installed Hydropower Capacity in Years, Global, 2024
- SHP Development, Global, 2024
- Hydropower: Growth Drivers, Global, 2024–2035
- Hydropower: Growth Restraints, Global, 2024–2035
- Hydropower Investment Forecast ($B), Global, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment Forecast LHP and SHP ($B), Global, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Installed Capacity (GW) by Region, Global, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Installed Capacity (GW) by Technology, Global, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (GW) by Region, Global, 2023–2035
- Electricity Generated from Hydropower (TWh) by Region, Global, 2023–2035
- Share of Electricity Generated from Hydropower (TWh), Global, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), Europe, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in Europe, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Europe, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), Latin America, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in Latin America, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Latin America, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), North America, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in North America, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions, North America, MW, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B) ASEAN, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in ASEAN, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), ASEAN, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), China, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in China, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), China, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), East Asia, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in East Asia, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), East Asia, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), India and South Asia, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in India and South Asia, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), India and South Asia, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), Russia & CIS, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in Russia & CIS, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Russia & CIS, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), Middle East & North Africa, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in the Middle East & North Africa, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Middle East & North Africa, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), Sub-Saharan Africa, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Sub-Saharan Africa, 2023–2035
- Hydropower Investment ($B), ANZ & Pacific, 2023–2035
- Electricity from Hydropower (%) in ANZ & Pacific, 2023, 2030, and 2035
- Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), ANZ & Pacific, 2023–2035
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| Deliverable Type | Market Research |
|---|---|
| Author | Milagros Andurell |
| Industries | Energy |
| No Index | No |
| Is Prebook | No |
| Keyword 1 | Hydropower Technology Advancements |
| Keyword 2 | Hydropower Market Drivers |
| Keyword 3 | Hydropower Market |
| List of Charts and Figures | Share of Global Electricity Production from Hydropower, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Age Profile of Installed Hydropower Capacity in Years, Global, 2024~ SHP Development, Global, 2024~ Hydropower: Growth Drivers, Global, 2024–2035~ Hydropower: Growth Restraints, Global, 2024–2035~ Hydropower Investment Forecast ($B), Global, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment Forecast LHP and SHP ($B), Global, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Installed Capacity (GW) by Region, Global, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Installed Capacity (GW) by Technology, Global, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (GW) by Region, Global, 2023–2035~ Electricity Generated from Hydropower (TWh) by Region, Global, 2023–2035~ Share of Electricity Generated from Hydropower (TWh), Global, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), Europe, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in Europe, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Europe, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), Latin America, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in Latin America, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Latin America, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), North America, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in North America, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions, North America, MW, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B) ASEAN, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in ASEAN, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), ASEAN, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), China, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in China, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), China, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), East Asia, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in East Asia, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), East Asia, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), India and South Asia, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in India and South Asia, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), India and South Asia, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), Russia & CIS, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in Russia & CIS, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Russia & CIS, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), Middle East & North Africa, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in the Middle East & North Africa, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Middle East & North Africa, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), Sub-Saharan Africa, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), Sub-Saharan Africa, 2023–2035~ Hydropower Investment ($B), ANZ & Pacific, 2023–2035~ Electricity from Hydropower (%) in ANZ & Pacific, 2023, 2030, and 2035~ Hydropower Annual Additions (MW), ANZ & Pacific, 2023–2035~ |
| Podcast | No |
| WIP Number | KA76-01-00-00-00 |