From the Editor’s Desk |


Progress, but far to go


H


ydropower, long heralded as a reliable renewable energy source, remains at the heart of global efforts to transition to cleaner energy, but it is facing an urgent need for accelerated development.


In 2024, hydropower’s growth and the expansion of technologies like pumped storage hydropower (PSH) have underscored its critical role in meeting the world’s energy and climate goals. Yet, despite progress, hydropower’s contribution to the energy mix is not growing quickly enough to meet the ambitious decarbonization targets set by the global community. Global hydropower capacity increased by 13.5GW in 2023, with PSH accounting for a significant portion of that growth. However, experts agree that the pace must accelerate. The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has pointed out that the industry needs to increase its annual growth rate to over 26GW per year through 2030 to meet net-zero goals. Without this acceleration, hydropower may miss its potential to play a leading role in stabilizing global energy grids as renewable sources like solar and wind continue to proliferate. Hydropower is essential because of its ability to provide flexible, reliable, and renewable energy to balance the intermittency of solar and wind power, which are often unpredictable. Among the most exciting developments in


hydropower is the resurgence of pumped storage, which allows excess energy to be stored and released when needed, making it a crucial tool for grid stability. Innovations in PSH, including closed-loop systems that do not rely on natural water sources, are adding much-needed flexibility and siting options. Despite these advancements, the high upfront costs and long development timelines of PSH projects remain significant barriers. Still, the importance of these systems for long-term energy resilience cannot be overstated. Hydropower reservoirs already help mitigate the effects of extreme weather, preventing billions of dollars in economic losses due to floods and droughts.


In addition to large-scale projects, there is a growing


recognition of the potential for small- and medium- sized hydropower systems. Many existing dams,


4 | December 2024 | www.waterpowermagazine.com Carrieann Stocks


particularly in the US, are nonpowered and could be retrofitted to produce energy, offering a cost-effective way to increase hydropower capacity. Technologies such as modular conduit hydropower, which can be easily scaled and installed with reduced construction time, are gaining attention as well. These projects represent a flexible solution, especially in regions where larger, more expensive hydropower projects may not be viable. However, for hydropower to fully unlock its potential,


investment and policy reform are crucial. Hydropower projects are often delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles and outdated permitting processes. Streamlining these procedures would allow for faster implementation of projects that can contribute to energy security and climate resilience. The IHA also emphasized that to meet the 2050 net-zero goal, governments must significantly increase their investments in hydropower, which is projected to require $130 billion annually. While hydropower’s potential is vast, the investment


required to realize it is not yet being fully realized. Governments and investors must work together to accelerate the development of hydropower, particularly in untapped regions of the world such as Africa and Latin America, where much of the potential remains unexplored. By leveraging existing infrastructure and new technologies, we can expand hydropower’s role in the global energy mix, helping stabilize grids, mitigate climate impacts, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.


As the world grapples with the twin challenges of decarbonization and climate resilience, hydropower offers a reliable, sustainable solution. But it is clear that the time to act is now. Only through accelerated development and investment can hydropower continue to meet the challenges of our changing energy landscape and climate future.


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