Hydro Info

Hydropower and the World's Energy Future

The role of hydropower in bringing clean, renewable, energy to the world

International Hydropower Association

Compton, West Sussex

United Kingdom

International Commission on Large Dams

Paris, France

Implementing Agreement on Hydropower

Technologies and Programmes/

International Energy Agency

Paris, France

Canadian Hydropower Association

Ottawa, Ontario

Canada

November 2000

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Preface

The inherent technical, economic and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power make it an important

contributor to the future world energy mix, particularly in the developing countries. These countries have a

great and ever-intensifying need for power and water supplies and they also have greatest remaining hydro

potential.

Development is a basic human right, as few would deny. Energy policy makers must meet their

responsibility in exploring the most rational options for meeting the energy needs of the developing world,

while protecting the environment to the maximum possible extent, for example by limiting greenhouse gas

emissions.

Any infrastructure development inevitably involves a certain degree of change. The construction of dams,

and their associated reservoirs and hydroelectric powerplants, creates certain physical and social aspects,

and a large amount of attention has focused in recent years on the negative impacts only. Less account has

been taken of the benefits of hydropower and of the knowledge and willingness which exists within the

profession to anticipate, mitigate and/or compensate for negative aspects.

This paper therefore sets out:

Ð'* The role hydropower can play in the future, in the context of demographic growth and increasing

demands for energy.

Ð'* The potential for future hydropower development throughout the world.

Ð'* The inherent benefits of hydropower, both technical and environmental, in comparison with other

energy options.

Ð'* A review of specific environmental and social impacts, and examples of mitigation measures.

Ð'* Recommendations on best practice for future projects.

Ð'* The potential way forward for hydropower development.

As will be clear from this paper, the dam and hydro profession today does not only comprise technicians,

but it is a multi-disciplinary body including environmental specialists, ecologists, biologists, social scientists

and economists. Together they represent a wealth of expertise which can ensure that future projects are

planned, constructed and operated with full respect for society and the environment.

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Hydropower and the World's Energy Future

The role of hydropower in bringing clean, renewable, energy to the world

Introduction

As we move into the twenty-first century, global economic prosperity is driving the consumption of energy

to record levels, with electricity consumption anticipated to increase at rates faster than overall energy

supply. The vast majority (80 per cent) of energy today is provided from thermal sources, i.e. coal, gas and

oil; but there are growing global concerns regarding the lack of sustainabilit y of these forms of energy that

bring into question their use in a long-term energy strategy.

Concerns over disruptive fossil fuel markets and uncertain pricing, the current decline of nuclear energy as a

viable energy source and the significant environmental consequences of thermal energy sources have placed

greater emphasis on sustainable energy policies that include the significant development of renewable

energy supplies.

Renewable energy technology exists in many forms. Recent thinking often relates renewable energy to

electricity from either wind energy, solar energy or geothermal energy. Yet the largest source of renewable

energy comes from a proven technology, hydropower. Hydropower is renewable because it draws its

essential energy from the sun which drives the hydrological cycle which, in turn, provides a continuous

renewable supply of water. Hydropower represents more than 92 percent of all renewable energy generated,

and continues to stand as one of the most viable sources of new generation into the future. It also provides

an option to store energy, to optimize electricity generation.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA), the Implementing Agreement on Hydropower

Technologies and Programmes of the International Energy Agency (IEA/Hydro), the Canadian Hydropower

Association (CHA) and the International Commission Large Dams (ICOLD), are world-wide organisations

that are