Hydropower Market Size, Growth, Segmentation, Competitive Landscape and Potential of Industry from 2023-2030

Posted by Pearl Smith on June 19th, 2023

Hydropower is a form of renewable energy that utilizes the gravitational force of falling or flowing water to generate electricity. It is one of the oldest and most widely used sources of renewable energy globally. The hydropower market refers to the industry involved in the production, distribution, and utilization of hydropower.

Here is some full information about the hydropower market:

Overview and Importance:

Hydropower is a clean and sustainable energy source that plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. It provides a reliable and consistent source of electricity and has the ability to store energy for later use. Hydropower plants can range from small-scale installations to large-scale dams and reservoirs.

Key companies covered as a part of this study include General Electric Company, Siemens AG, Andritz AG, Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, China Yangtze Power Co. Ltd, PJSC RusHydro, Électricité de France SA (EDF), and Iberdrola SA

Generation Process:

Hydropower is generated by converting the kinetic energy of moving water into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy. The process
involves the following steps:

Water collection: Water is collected from rivers, streams, or reservoirs and channeled through intake structures.
Conduit: The water is then guided through a conduit, such as a penstock, which directs it to the turbine.
Turbine: The moving water causes the turbine to spin, converting the kinetic energy into mechanical energy.
Generator: The turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Transmission: The generated electricity is transmitted through power lines for distribution to consumers.

Global Hydropower Capacity:

According to the International Hydropower Association (IHA), the global hydropower capacity reached approximately 1,295 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2020. China is the largest producer of hydropower, followed by Brazil, the United States, Canada, and India.

Types of Hydropower Plants:

Hydropower plants can be classified into different types based on their design and operation. Some common types include:

Run-of-river plants: These plants use the natural flow of a river without the need for significant water storage.
Reservoir-based plants: These plants involve the construction of dams and reservoirs to store water, allowing for better control over power generation.
Pumped storage plants: These plants store water in an upper reservoir and release it to a lower reservoir when electricity demand is high, acting as a form of energy storage.

Advantages of Hydropower:

• Renewable and clean: Hydropower does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants during operation.
• Reliable and predictable: Water flow can be controlled, providing a consistent and stable source of electricity.
• Water management: Hydropower projects can help with water supply management, irrigation, flood control, and navigation.

Challenges and Environmental Considerations:

While hydropower offers several benefits, there are some challenges and environmental considerations associated with its implementation:

• Ecological impact: The construction of dams and reservoirs can disrupt ecosystems, affecting fish populations, river flow, and sediment transport.
• Displacement of communities: Large-scale hydropower projects may require the resettlement of communities living in the project area.
• Upfront costs: Building hydropower plants can be capital-intensive, requiring significant upfront investment.

Future Outlook and Trends:

The hydropower market is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years, driven by the global shift towards clean and renewable energy sources. Some emerging trends include:

• Modernization and upgrades: Many existing hydropower plants are being upgraded with advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Small-scale hydropower: There is increasing interest in developing small-scale hydropower projects that have minimal environmental impact and can be implemented in remote areas.
• Integration with other renewables: Hydropower can complement intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind power by providing grid stability and energy storage capabilities.