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This is achieved by converting the gravitational potential or kinetic energy of a water source to produce power. [1] Hydropower is a method of sustainable energy production. Hydropower is now used principally for hydroelectric power generation, and is also applied as one half of an energy storage system known as pumped-storage hydroelectricity.
Hydroelectricity, or hydroelectric power, is electricity generated from hydropower (water power). Hydropower supplies 15% of the world's electricity , almost 4,210 TWh in 2023, [ 1 ] which is more than all other renewable sources combined and also more than nuclear power . [ 2 ]
Energy storage helps overcome barriers to intermittent renewable energy and is an important aspect of a sustainable energy system. [154] The most commonly used and available storage method is pumped-storage hydroelectricity , which requires locations with large differences in height and access to water. [ 154 ]
In 2021, hydroelectric power produced 31.5% of the total renewable electricity, and 6.3% of the total U.S. electricity. [2] According to the International Hydropower Association, the United States is the 3rd largest producer of hydroelectric power in the world in 2021 after Brazil and China. [3] Total installed capacity for 2020 was 102.8 GW.
In contrast, controllable renewable energy sources include dammed hydroelectricity, bioenergy, or geothermal power. Percentages of various types of sources in the top renewable energy-producing countries across each geographical region in 2023. Renewable energy systems have rapidly become more efficient and cheaper over the past 30 years. [3]
In 2015, the total electricity consumption in Iceland was 18,798 GWh. Renewable energy provided almost 100% of production, with 75% coming from hydropower and 24% from geothermal power. [4] Only two islands, Grímsey and Flatey, are not connected to the national grid and so rely primarily on diesel generators for electricity. [4]
Norway is a heavy producer of renewable energy because of hydropower. Over 99% of the electricity production in mainland Norway is from 31 GW hydropower plants (86 TWh reservoir capacity, storing water from summer to winter). The average hydropower is 133 TWh/year [1] (135.3 TWh in 2007). [2]
According to the International Hydropower Association, Canada is the fourth largest producer of hydroelectricity in the world in 2021 after the United States, Brazil, and China. [1] In 2019, Canada produced 632.2 TWh of electricity with 60% of energy coming from Hydroelectric and Tidal Energy Sources). [2]