Page 5 - Issue 4 2023

INDUSTRY NEWS

New report highlights evolving role of

hydropower

Information from IRENA

The majority of hydropower assets, built several decades ago, need to be upgraded

according to a new report from IRENA.

urrent trends in the power sector have prompted changes in the role of
hydropower, creating a need to adjust the way these assets are designed, operated
Cand maintained, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy
Agency (IRENA). “The Changing Role of Hydropower: Challenges and Opportunities”,
produced in the context of IRENA’s Collaborative Framework on Hydropower, provides a
snapshot of the current status of hydropower and lays out a vision of how to realise its
potential.
“Hydropower has been an effective source of clean power generation for more than
a century,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. “However, with the rapidly
evolving energy landscape, it is important to re-evaluate its future role and leverage
recent technological advancements that can maximise its potential, while ensuring its Francesco La Camera
sustainability and climate resilience.”
According to IRENA’s 1,5°C Scenario, if the world is to completely decarbonise and
meet the climate goals set in the Paris Agreement, hydropower installed capacity, more about the key actions policy
including pumped storage hydropower, should more than double by 2050. This will makers can take to accelerate the
require annual investments in hydropower to grow roughly fivefold. deployment of hydropower in a way that
However, the report underscores that most hydropower potential lies in developing is in line with its changing role.
countries, and financing institutions need to work together with governments to
overcome local risks and limitations and funnel much-needed investment into these About the International
regions and countries. Renewable Energy Agency
According to the report, hydropower, despite being the most mature renewable (IRENA)
technology, faces several challenges including: modernizing ageing fleets to meet IRENA is the lead intergovernmental
modern power system requirements; attracting new investments; and updating market agency for the global energy
structures and business models that do not reward all of the services provided by transformation that supports countries
hydropower beyond power generation. in their transition to a sustainable energy
The report also emphasises that the planning and development of hydropower will future, and serves as the principal
only be successful if aspects of sustainability and resilience are taken into consideration platform for international co-operation, a
Read “The Changing Role of Hydropower: Challenges and Opportunities” to learn centre of excellence, and a repository of
policy, technology, resource and financial
knowledge on renewable energy. With
168 Members (167 States and the
European Union) and 16 additional
countries in the accession process and
actively engaged, IRENA promotes the
widespread adoption and sustainable
use of all forms of renewable energy, in
the pursuit of sustainable development,
energy access, energy security and low-
carbon economic growth and prosperity.

Stay in touch with IRENA at
www.twitter.com/irena and
www.facebook.com/irena.org

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