STREAMING ENERGY FOR THE FUTURE

Hydropower is set to play an important role in the energy transition and will be critical to decarbonisation. - Francesco La Camera, Director of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

At Hydropower International, our vision is to unlock the enormous reserves of energy with tidal streams to produce green electricity, across the globe. Wave and tidal energy technologies are still in their infancy, yet have great potential to be the world’s largest producer of renewable energy.

What is Hydropower?

Hydropower was the first source of energy used for mechanical and electricity generation and is produced with moving water. Change in water flow/volume determines the amount of available energy in the water.

Current conventional hydroelectric systems include Run-of-river systems, Storage systems and Pumped-storage.

Why Hydropower?

Key developments in the industry occurred during the first half of the 19th Century and Hydropower is increasing in popularity due to its sustainability advantages. Researchers have been exploring new technologies to make it more environmentally friendly by producing systems that reduce the adverse impact on wildlife and their natural habitats.

Hydropower has many benefits compared to other sustainable methods.

1. It is a clean source of energy - fuelled by the water, it does not add any harmful emissions to the air, and thus does not contribute to climate change.

2. Renewable - as it relies on the water cycle, it is a reliable and renewable source of energy.

3. Effective - it provides 71% of the electricity that comes from renewable sources globally.

4. Low cost/affordable - avoids market fluctuations by achieving price stability.

5. Compliments other renewable energy systems (such as wind and solar power).

Overall, it is predicted that hydropower's contribution to the industry will increase in the upcoming years due to its low cost and reliability for electrical generation. It is being reresearched in both developed and developing nations to tackle climate change.