• The largest renewable source of electricity, producing 16% of electricity worldwide.
• Hydroelectric plants started being developed in the late 19th century; their power and scale has been increasing since then. In addition to typical dams, there are also run- of-the-river projects and pumped storage.
• Positive externalities: limited CO₂ emissions, clean electricity, flood control irrigation.

Hydropower - Global Output

Top Producers

Further readings

IEA Hydro Reports; Collections of work on hydro from the IEA, 2000