Global spatial distribution of future hydropower dams
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In 2015, hydropower produced almost 17 percent of the entire global electricity and 70 percent of all renewable electricity. Thirty-three percent of the world’s hydropower produced in the Asia-Pacific region. China is the largest hydroelectricity producer (920 TWh).
Today hydropower is generated in 150 nations.
Tens of thousands of hydroelectric dams exist around the world.
Top 10 of the largest hydroelectric producers by annual hydroelectric production (TWh)
- China – 1064
- Canada – 383
- Brazil – 373
- United States – 282
- Russia – 177
- India – 132
- Norway – 129
- Japan – 87
- Venezuela – 87
- France – 69
The total amount of power generated by hydroelectric plants around the world is 1,153.911 Gigawatt
The technical potential for hydropower growing around the globe is much higher than the real generation. Potential hydropower capacity that has not been realized is 71 percent in Europe, 75 percent in North America, 79 percent in South America, 82 percent in Asia-Pacific, 95 percent in Africa, and the Middle East. Twenty-five percent of the technically exploitable hydropower potential can be developed before 2050.
