The tsunamis that have decimated Japan and Indonesia in the past few years represent a horrific testament to the staggering power of water. But conversely, today hydropower also is being harnessed and used for the good of the world’s population – providing a cost-effective source of renewable energy that can be grid-connected.

According to a study published by the Washington, D.C.-based Worldwatch Institute in its Vital Signs Online publication, five countries – China, Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Russia – accounted for approximately 52 percent of the world’s installed hydropower capacity in 2010. And in that year alone, $40-$45 billion was invested in larger hydropower projects: There are now three hydropower plants on the planet generating more than 10 gigawatts (GW) of power: the Three Gorges Dam in China, Itaipu Hydroelectricity Power Plant in Brazil, and Guri Dam in Venezuela.

Hydropower is produced in at least 150 countries but is concentrated in just a few countries and regions. In 2008, four countries – Albania, Bhutan, Lesotho, and Paraguay – generated all their electricity from hydropower, and 15 countries generated at least 90 percent of their electricity from hydro. Iceland, New Zealand, and Norway produce the most hydropower per capita.

The Asia-Pacific region generated roughly 32 percent of global hydropower in 2010 – with China, the largest hydropower producer worldwide today and expected to continue to lead global hydro use in the coming years.

China produced 721 terawatt-hours in 2010, representing around 17 percent of domestic electricity use. China also had the highest installed hydropower capacity, with 213 gigawatts (GW) at the end of 2010. It added more hydro capacity than any other country – 16 GW in 2010 – and plans to add 140 GW by 2015. This is equivalent to building about seven more dams the size of China’s Three Gorges Dam, currently the largest in the world.

Indeed, global use of hydropower increased more than 5 percent between 2009 and 2010, according to the new Worldwatch study. Hydropower use reached a record 3,427 terawatt-hours, or about 16.1 percent of worldwide electricity consumption, by the end of 2010 – continuing the rapid rate of increase experienced between 2003 and 2009.

Africa produces the least hydropower, accounting for 3 percent of the world total, but is considered the region with the greatest potential for increased production.

The cost of hydropower is relatively low, making it a competitive source of renewable electricity. The average cost of electricity from a hydro plant larger than 10 megawatts (MW) is $.03 to $.05 per kilowatt-hour. Hydropower is also a flexible source of electricity, since plants can be ramped up and down very quickly to adapt to changing energy demands.

Yet there are many negative aspects associated with hydropower: Damming interrupts the flow of rivers and can harm local ecosystems. In addition, building large dams and reservoirs often involves displacing people and wildlife; and requires significant amounts of carbon-intensive cement.

Micro-hydropower, which is defined as a plant with an installed capacity of 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) or less, has grown in importance over the last decade and can be an effective means of providing electricity to communities far from industrial centers. As of 2009, roughly 60 GW of small hydro was installed worldwide, accounting for less than 6 percent of the hydropower total. Small hydro is likely to expand, especially as populous countries like India continue to pursue rural electrification.

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