What's Happening?
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) reports that global hydropower capacity reached 1,469 GW by the end of 2025, with significant contributions from pumped storage, which surpassed 200 GW. The 2026 World Hydropower Outlook highlights hydropower's
evolving role in energy security and decarbonization. The report emphasizes the importance of hydropower in providing flexibility and long-duration energy storage, crucial for integrating variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The report also notes barriers such as financing constraints and regulatory uncertainty that impact hydropower development.
Why It's Important?
Hydropower's role in energy security and the transition to renewable energy is increasingly critical as countries seek to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance grid stability. The growth in pumped storage capacity underscores its importance as a large-scale energy storage solution, essential for balancing renewable energy supply and demand. This development is pivotal for countries aiming to achieve energy resilience and sustainability goals, highlighting the need for supportive policies and investments in hydropower infrastructure.
