Introduction
Hydroelectric power is a form of energy that is obtained from the force of falling water. It is one of the cleanest and most reliable sources of renewable energy available in the world today. Hydroelectric power can be generated in many different ways, including dams, run-of-the-river, and pumped storage. This renewable energy is used all over the world, with some countries having more hydroelectric capacity than others.
Top Countries With Hydroelectric Power Generation
Hydroelectric power generation is a vital industry all around the world, and some countries have more significant involvement than others. The top countries that use hydroelectric power include:
China
China generates the most hydroelectric power in the world, with over 1,337 TWh of electricity produced per year. The Chinese government has invested heavily in hydroelectric power generation since the 1960s, and the country has seen massive growth in this industry. China’s largest hydroelectric power plant is the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, which produces over 22,500 MW of electricity.
Brazil
Brazil is the second-largest producer of hydroelectric power in the world, with over 400 TWh generated per year. Much of this energy is generated from large hydroelectric dams like the Itaipu dam and the Belo Monte Dam. The Brazilian government aims to expand on this renewable energy source to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the country.
Canada
Hydroelectric power is the most significant source of renewable energy in Canada, producing over 60% of the country’s electricity. Canada generates around 375 TWh of hydroelectric power per year, primarily from large dams located in Quebec and British Columbia.
United States
The United States generates over 300 TWh of hydroelectric power per year, making it one of the top users of this renewable energy source. The Hoover Dam and Grand Coulee Dam are two of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the US, generating significant amounts of power for the country.
Russia
Russia generates over 180 TWh of hydroelectric power per year, with many large plants located in Siberia. The hydroelectric industry in Russia has seen significant growth since the 1950s and is now a vital source of renewable energy in the country.
Other Countries with Significant Hydroelectric Capacity
While the countries listed above have the most significant hydroelectric capacity in the world, many other countries also use hydroelectric power as a vital source of energy. Some of these countries include:
Norway
Norway produces over 100 TWh of hydroelectric power per year, which accounts for over 95% of the country’s electricity. The country has made significant investments in this industry since the 1950s, leading it to become one of the top users of hydroelectric power in the world.
India
India generates around 122 TWh of hydroelectric power per year, with many plants located in the southern part of the country. Despite this significant capacity, hydroelectric power only accounts for around 13% of the country’s electricity production.
Japan
Japan generates over 90 TWh of hydroelectric power per year, primarily from large plants located in Honshu and Kyushu. Hydroelectric power accounts for around 8% of the country’s electricity production.
Sweden
Sweden produces around 65 TWh of hydroelectric power per year, which accounts for over 40% of the country’s electricity. The hydroelectric industry in Sweden has been growing steadily for many years, and the government aims to expand further into this renewable energy source.
Conclusion
Hydroelectric power is one of the most reliable and clean sources of renewable energy today, and it is used in many countries around the world. China, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Russia are the top users of hydroelectric power, while Norway, India, Japan, and Sweden also have significant hydroelectric capacity. With concerns over climate change and an increasing demand for electricity, hydroelectric power will play an essential role in the world’s renewable energy future.