IEAHydropower

Hydropower Development

Hydropower and the World's Energy Future

In November, 2000, the IEA Implementing Agreement on Hydropower Technologies and Programmes, the International Hydropower Association (IHA), the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), and the Canadian Hydropower Association (CHA) jointly produced a white paper entitled "Hydropower and the World's Energy Future". This paper explores the role of Hydropower in bringing clean, renewable energy to the world

The paper therefore sets out:

  • The role hydropower can play in the future, in the context of demographic growth and increasing demands for energy.
  • The potential for future hydropower development throughout the world.
  • The inherent benefits of hydropower, both technical and environmental, in comparison with other energy options.
  • A review of specific environmental and social impacts, and examples of mitigation measures.
  • Recommendations on best practice for future projects.
  • The potential way forward for hydropower development.

It has been translated into Japanese, German and Portuguese and can be downloaded:

Hydropower - A Key to Prosperity in the Growing World

The IEA Implementing Agreement on Hydropower Technologies and Programmes and the United States Bureau of Reclamation cooperated to produce the pamphlet, "Hydropower - A Key to Prosperity in the Growing World" (pdf, 424kb) This well-illustrated and concise document provides a good starting point for research into hydropower by giving an overview of fundamentals, some historical perspectives, its worldwide development and capacity,its role in meeting world energy demand, and its advantages and disadvantages.