From the Editor’s Desk |
Hydropower makes headlines - and history
I
n recent weeks, hydropower has surged into the global spotlight in a way rarely seen before, with headlines announcing record-breaking developments that are impossible to ignore. From the towering ambitions of China’s Yarlung Zangbo project to a groundbreaking corporate deal between Brookfield and Google, the
hydropower industry is no longer operating quietly behind the scenes. Instead, it’s capturing mainstream attention, and with good reason. The announcement that China has broken
ground on what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower project marks a moment of both technical and geopolitical significance. At an estimated $167 billion investment and projected annual output of 300 billion kilowatt-hours, the Yarlung Zangbo project dwarfs even the mighty Three Gorges Dam. This is not just a national project, it’s an industry milestone. Whether for energy security, emissions reduction, or regional development, this scale of ambition reminds the world that hydropower remains a cornerstone of clean energy strategy in the 21st century. On a different front, and from a different angle,
Brookfield Asset Management and Google have set a new benchmark for private-sector collaboration on clean energy. Their hydro framework agreement – the largest of its kind globally – commits up to 3000MW of hydroelectric capacity to power Google’s operations across the US. In an age where digital infrastructure is expanding at an unprecedented rate, this partnership is a clear signal that big tech recognizes the value of hydropower: dependable, carbon-free, and grid- strengthening. Together, these two developments reflect more than just megawatts and money. They underscore a shift in perception. Hydropower, long considered the dependable workhorse of the renewables family,
4 | August 2025 |
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is now earning its due recognition as both a legacy solution and a future-proof technology. As wind and solar continue to grow, hydropower’s role as a stabilising force – offering baseload power, storage potential, and resiliency – is becoming more widely appreciated.
But it also raises questions and opportunities for our industry. As global attention sharpens on hydropower, so too will scrutiny of our environmental impacts, community relations, and regulatory frameworks. The scale of these new projects brings enormous potential, but also increased responsibility. How we communicate the value of hydropower, how we innovate with integrity, and how we integrate into broader energy systems will shape not only public opinion, but the direction of future policy and investment.
As an industry, we are at a turning point. The scale of what’s being built, and the scale of who is now paying attention, demands that we rise to the moment. We must not only build big, but build smart. We must pair ambition with sustainability, and legacy with innovation. Hydropower is no longer just part of the energy mix, it’s front-page news. And that means our conversations, our leadership, and our voice must be just as bold.
Carrieann Stocks
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