The hydropower generation market was valued at approximately US$ 274.6 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow to around US$ 368.7 billion by 2030. This sector is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2022 through 2030.
The hydropower generation sector is crucial within the global energy framework, significantly contributing to the production of clean and renewable electricity. Harnessing the energy from flowing water, hydropower has been utilized for centuries, and contemporary hydropower facilities have advanced to become highly efficient and environmentally sustainable energy sources.
One of the primary benefits of hydropower is its sustainability and minimal environmental footprint when compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources. Hydropower facilities can be classified into different categories, including traditional hydroelectric dams and run-of-river systems. Dams, such as the renowned Hoover Dam in the United States or the Three Gorges Dam in China, store substantial volumes of water in reservoirs, which is then released through turbines to generate electricity. Conversely, run-of-river systems utilize the natural flow of rivers without necessitating large reservoirs.
In recent years, the hydropower sector has experienced significant technological advancements, including improvements in turbine design, control systems, and integration with the power grid. These innovations aim to boost the efficiency and reliability of hydropower plants, enhancing their competitiveness within the broader energy market. Such developments are expected to propel the growth of the hydropower generation market from 2022 to 2030. Furthermore, numerous governments are investing in the modernization and expansion of existing hydropower infrastructure, while others are exploring the potential of small-scale and decentralized hydropower projects to address local energy demands, which is likely to further increase the market share of hydropower generation in the upcoming years. However, the hydropower sector also faces challenges, including environmental issues associated with dam construction and its effects on aquatic ecosystems, necessitating a balanced approach to ensure sustainable development. This may hinder the growth of the hydropower generation market during the forecast period.
The public sector currently owns and operates approximately 70% of all hydropower facilities, with plants established globally between 2000 and 2020. Historically, significant involvement in the development of hydroelectric power plants has ensured adequate returns and profitability as part of long-term energy strategies. Today, with the increasing participation of the private sector, well-structured government policies are essential to mitigate risks related to permits, construction, and challenges concerning environmental and social acceptance. Beyond electricity generation, hydroelectric infrastructure provides numerous advantages for managing water resources essential for critical public services such as irrigation, flood control, and water supply. Acknowledging these benefits and assigning a monetary value to the private sector is expected to significantly enhance support for the growth of the hydropower generation market in the coming years.
Hydroelectric power plants that are between 45 and 60 years old require substantial renovation investments to modernize, enhance performance, and increase flexibility. In nations where aging plants contribute significantly to renewable electricity generation, these investments are particularly vital for maintaining or improving performance (typically by 5-10%), which is anticipated to introduce new trends in the hydropower generation market in the near future. In addition to renewing critical systems such as turbines and generators, investments in modernization and digitalization can greatly enhance system flexibility, improve safety, and address environmental and social challenges, such as inadequate drought management and flood protection, depending on regulatory conditions. Consequently, these factors are expected to bolster the hydropower generation market share within the overall renewable energy sector. Moreover, future trends in the hydropower generation market include achieving zero emissions, facilitating energy transitions, promoting rural electrification, and modernizing hydroelectric facilities.
The global hydropower generation market report is categorized based on plant type, end-user, and geographical region. In terms of plant type, the hydropower generation market is divided into small hydro (less than 30 MW), large hydro (greater than 30 MW), and pumped storage hydropower. Regarding end-users, the market analysis is segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Geographically, the global hydropower generation market report is divided into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America (SAM).
Key players in the hydropower generation market include RusHydro, Hydro-Quebec, BC Hydro, StatKraft, NHPC, EDF SA, China Yangtze Power, A Energi, Enel SpA, Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA, Andritz Hydro USA Inc, GE Energy, CPFL Energia S.A., Sinohydro Corporation, IHI Corporation, Alstom Hydro, China Hydroelectric Corporation, China Three Gorges Corporation, ABB Ltd, and Tata Power Corporation, among others.
The overall forecast for the hydropower generation market has been derived from both primary and secondary sources. Extensive secondary research has been conducted using both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the hydropower generation market size. This process also aids in obtaining an overview and forecast concerning all market segments. Additionally, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain analytical insights. This includes discussions with industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the hydropower generation market.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1.1 Scope of the Study
1.2 Market Definition, Assumptions and Limitations
1.3 Market Segmentation
2. Executive Summary
2.1 Key Insights
2.2 Market Attractiveness Analysis
3. Research Methodology
4. Hydropower Generation Market Landscape
4.1 Overview
4.2 PEST Analysis
4.3 Ecosystem Analysis
 4.3.1 List of Vendors in the Value Chain
5. Hydropower Generation Market - Key Market Dynamics
5.1 Key Market Drivers
5.2 Key Market Restraints
5.3 Key Market Opportunities
5.4 Future Trends
5.5 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints
6. Hydropower Generation Market - Global Market Analysis
6.1 Hydropower Generation - Global Market Overview
6.2 Hydropower Generation - Global Market and Forecast to 2030
7. Hydropower Generation Market - Revenue Analysis (USD Million) - By Plant Type, 2020-2030
7.1 Overview
7.2 Small Hydro (Less than 30 MW)
7.3 Large Hydro (Greater than 30 MW)
7.4 Pumped Storage Hydro
8. Hydropower Generation Market - Revenue Analysis (USD Million) - By End-User, 2020-2030
8.1 Overview
8.2 Residential
8.3 Commercial
8.4 Industrial
9. Hydropower Generation Market - Revenue Analysis (USD Million), 2020-2030 - Geographical Analysis
9.1 North America
 9.1.1 North America Hydropower Generation Market Overview
 9.1.2 North America Hydropower Generation Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2030
 9.1.3 North America Hydropower Generation Market Revenue and Forecasts and Analysis - By Plant Type
 9.1.4 North America Hydropower Generation Market Revenue and Forecasts and Analysis - By End-User
 9.1.5 North America Hydropower Generation Market Revenue and Forecasts and Analysis - By Countries
 9.1.5.1 Canada Hydropower Generation Market
 9.1.5.1.1 Canada Hydropower Generation Market, by Plant Type
 9.1.5.1.2 Canada Hydropower Generation Market, by End-User
 9.1.5.2 Mexico Hydropower Generation Market
 9.1.5.2.1 Mexico Hydropower Generation Market, by Plant Type
 9.1.5.2.2 Mexico Hydropower Generation Market, by End-User
 9.1.5.3 US Hydropower Generation Market
 9.1.5.3.1 US Hydropower Generation Market, by Plant Type
 9.1.5.3.2 US Hydropower Generation Market, by End-User
 Note - Similar analysis would be provided for below mentioned regions/countries
 
9.2 Europe
 9.2.1 France
 9.2.2 Italy
 9.2.3 Spain
 9.2.4 Russia
 9.2.5 Switzerland
 9.2.6 Norway
 9.2.7 Rest of Europe
9.3 Asia-Pacific
 9.3.1 Australia
 9.3.2 China
 9.3.3 India
 9.3.4 Japan
 9.3.5 Vietnam
 9.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
9.4 Middle East and Africa
 9.4.1 South Africa
 9.4.2 Iran
 9.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
9.5 South and Central America
 9.5.1 Brazil
 9.5.2 Argentina
 9.5.3 Rest of South and Central America
10. Industry Landscape
10.1 Mergers and Acquisitions
10.2 Agreements, Collaborations, Joint Ventures
10.3 New Product Launches
10.4 Expansions and Other Strategic Developments
11. Competitive Landscape
11.1 Heat Map Analysis by Key Players
11.2 Company Positioning and Concentration
12. Hydropower Generation Market - Key Company Profiles
12.1 Andritz Hydro
 12.1.1 Key Facts
 12.1.2 Business Description
 12.1.3 Products and Services
 12.1.4 Financial Overview
 12.1.5 SWOT Analysis
 12.1.6 Key Developments
 Note - Similar information would be provided for below list of companies
 
12.2 GE Energy
12.3 CPFL Energia S.A.
12.4 Sinohydro Corporation
12.5 IHI Corporation
12.6 Alstom Hydro
12.7 China Hydroelectric Corporation
12.8 China Three Gorges Corporation
12.9 RusHydro
12.10 EDF SA
13. Appendix
13.1 Glossary
13.2 About
13.3 Market Intelligence Cloud
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
The List of Companies - Hydropower Generation Market
Andritz Hydro
GE Energy
CPFL Energia S.A.
Sinohydro Corporation
IHI Corporation
Alstom Hydro
China Hydroelectric Corporation
China Three Gorges Corporation
RusHydro
EDF SA