Hydropower Generation Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Capacity (Small Hydro Power Plant, Medium Hydro Power Plant, Large Hydro Power Plant), By Application (Commercial, Industrial, Residential), By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F

April 2025 | 186 pages | ID: H6EEA637E671EN
TechSci Research

Abstracts

The Global Hydropower Generation Market was valued at USD 431.8 billion in 2024 and is expected t%li%reach USD 621.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. Rising global demand for clean and renewable energy is positioning hydropower as a key solution for reducing carbon emissions and achieving long-term climate goals. As a mature, low-emission technology, hydropower delivers stable and reliable electricity, making it a vital part of the global energy mix. Government policies, including subsidies and regulatory frameworks, are playing a crucial role in accelerating hydropower adoption worldwide. Pumped storage hydropower systems are als%li%gaining prominence for their role in grid stability, especially in regions with high solar and wind energy penetration. Retrofitting older infrastructure with modern turbines and control systems is helping enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Market expansion is particularly strong in Asia-Pacific, with countries like China and India leading developments, and further momentum is being observed across Southeast Asia and Africa due t%li%growing industrialization and energy demand. Despite challenges related t%li%capital intensity and environmental concerns, hydropower continues t%li%gain traction as a dependable and scalable renewable energy source.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Global Demand for Renewable Energy

The shift toward sustainable energy solutions is a primary driver of growth in the hydropower generation market. Hydropower, known for its low carbon footprint and reliability, is increasingly being adopted as nations work t%li%meet climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Many governments are integrating hydropower int%li%national strategies t%li%reach net-zer%li%emissions by mid-century. For instance, Spain's Endesa, a subsidiary of Enel, recently acquired 626 MW of hydr%li%assets from Acciona Energia, underlining the growing investment in the sector. Beyond emissions reduction, hydropower plays a crucial role in ensuring grid stability, especially as countries expand wind and solar power generation. It serves as a backup energy source and helps smooth out the intermittency of other renewables. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in emerging economies further amplify the need for reliable electricity, boosting hydropower demand. In Germany, the state of Bavaria has announced plans t%li%acquire over 85 hydropower plants from Uniper by 2030 t%li%reinforce local control over energy infrastructure, emphasizing hydropower’s strategic importance in national energy security.

Key Market Challenges

High Capital Investment and Long Project Timelines

A major obstacle in the hydropower generation market is the high upfront cost associated with building new facilities. Developing a hydropower project involves large-scale infrastructure investments in dams, reservoirs, turbines, and electrical systems, often running int%li%billions of dollars. These projects als%li%face long development timelines due t%li%the complexity of construction and the need for thorough environmental and regulatory approvals. In many cases, the extended duration before achieving return on investment discourages private investors and poses financing challenges, especially in countries with constrained budgets or limited access t%li%capital markets. Additionally, hydropower projects are vulnerable t%li%fluctuations in material costs and shifts in political or economic conditions, which can delay or derail progress. Even in developed nations, these financial and regulatory barriers slow new project launches and limit expansion opportunities. As a result, while hydropower is highly beneficial in the long term, its capital intensity and slow ROI remain persistent challenges that hinder faster adoption, particularly in developing regions.

Key Market Trends

Shift Toward Small-Scale and Decentralized Hydropower Systems

A key trend gaining momentum in the hydropower generation market is the adoption of small-scale and decentralized systems. Unlike traditional large hydropower plants, small-scale solutions are more affordable, quicker t%li%implement, and environmentally less intrusive. These systems are especially valuable in remote or off-grid areas, providing a practical option for clean energy generation without the extensive infrastructure required for large dams. Micro- and mini-hydropower systems are increasingly used t%li%power villages, agricultural operations, and small industries. Their scalability and cost-efficiency make them an ideal choice for developing economies focused on rural electrification and energy access. Countries in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Southeast Asia are actively exploring these solutions t%li%meet growing energy needs while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Technological advancements have improved the efficiency and affordability of small hydropower systems, helping position them as a sustainable alternative within the renewable energy portfolio. As governments and international organizations continue t%li%promote energy access in underserved regions, the trend toward decentralized hydropower is expected t%li%strengthen significantly.

Key Market Players

• Andritz Hydr%li%USA Inc.
• E. Energy
• China Hydroelectric Corporation
• Sinohydr%li%Corporation
• IHI Corporation
• Alstom Hydro
• CPFL Energia S.A.
• ABB Ltd.
• China Three Gorges Corporation
• Gerdau S.A.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Hydropower Generation Market has been segmented int%li%the following categories, in addition t%li%the industry trends which have als%li%been detailed below:

• Hydropower Generation Market, By Capacity:
• Small Hydr%li%Power Plant
• Medium Hydr%li%Power Plant
• Large Hydr%li%Power Plant
• Hydropower Generation Market, By Application:
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Residential
• Hydropower Generation Market, By Region:
• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Australia
• South America
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• South Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Hydropower Generation Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Hydropower Generation Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according t%li%a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up t%li%five).

Contents

1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
  1.2.1. Markets Covered
  1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
  1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

4. VOICE OF CUSTOMER

5. GLOBAL HYDROPOWER GENERATION MARKET OUTLOOK

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
  5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
  5.2.1. By Capacity (Small Hydro Power Plant, Medium Hydro Power Plant, Large Hydro Power Plant)
  5.2.2. By Application (Commercial, Industrial, Residential)
  5.2.3. By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific)
5.3. By Company (2024)
5.4. Market Map

6. NORTH AMERICA HYDROPOWER GENERATION MARKET OUTLOOK

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
  6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
  6.2.1. By Capacity
  6.2.2. By Application
  6.2.3. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
  6.3.1. United States Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      6.3.1.1.1. By Value
    6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      6.3.1.2.1. By Capacity
      6.3.1.2.2. By Application
  6.3.2. Canada Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      6.3.2.1.1. By Value
    6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      6.3.2.2.1. By Capacity
      6.3.2.2.2. By Application
  6.3.3. Mexico Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      6.3.3.1.1. By Value
    6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      6.3.3.2.1. By Capacity
      6.3.3.2.2. By Application

7. EUROPE HYDROPOWER GENERATION MARKET OUTLOOK

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
  7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
  7.2.1. By Capacity
  7.2.2. By Application
  7.2.3. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
  7.3.1. Germany Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.1.1.1. By Value
    7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.1.2.1. By Capacity
      7.3.1.2.2. By Application
  7.3.2. France Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.2.1.1. By Value
    7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.2.2.1. By Capacity
      7.3.2.2.2. By Application
  7.3.3. United Kingdom Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.3.1.1. By Value
    7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.3.2.1. By Capacity
      7.3.3.2.2. By Application
  7.3.4. Italy Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.4.1.1. By Value
    7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.4.2.1. By Capacity
      7.3.4.2.2. By Application
  7.3.5. Spain Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.5.1.1. By Value
    7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.5.2.1. By Capacity
      7.3.5.2.2. By Application

8. ASIA PACIFIC HYDROPOWER GENERATION MARKET OUTLOOK

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
  8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
  8.2.1. By Capacity
  8.2.2. By Application
  8.2.3. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
  8.3.1. China Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.1.1.1. By Value
    8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.1.2.1. By Capacity
      8.3.1.2.2. By Application
  8.3.2. India Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.2.1.1. By Value
    8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.2.2.1. By Capacity
      8.3.2.2.2. By Application
  8.3.3. Japan Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.3.1.1. By Value
    8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.3.2.1. By Capacity
      8.3.3.2.2. By Application
  8.3.4. South Korea Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.4.1.1. By Value
    8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.4.2.1. By Capacity
      8.3.4.2.2. By Application
  8.3.5. Australia Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.5.1.1. By Value
    8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.5.2.1. By Capacity
      8.3.5.2.2. By Application

9. MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA HYDROPOWER GENERATION MARKET OUTLOOK

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
  9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
  9.2.1. By Capacity
  9.2.2. By Application
  9.2.3. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
  9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      9.3.1.1.1. By Value
    9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      9.3.1.2.1. By Capacity
      9.3.1.2.2. By Application
  9.3.2. UAE Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      9.3.2.1.1. By Value
    9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      9.3.2.2.1. By Capacity
      9.3.2.2.2. By Application
  9.3.3. South Africa Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      9.3.3.1.1. By Value
    9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      9.3.3.2.1. By Capacity
      9.3.3.2.2. By Application

10. SOUTH AMERICA HYDROPOWER GENERATION MARKET OUTLOOK

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
  10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
  10.2.1. By Capacity
  10.2.2. By Application
  10.2.3. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
  10.3.1. Brazil Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      10.3.1.1.1. By Value
    10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      10.3.1.2.1. By Capacity
      10.3.1.2.2. By Application
  10.3.2. Colombia Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      10.3.2.1.1. By Value
    10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      10.3.2.2.1. By Capacity
      10.3.2.2.2. By Application
  10.3.3. Argentina Hydropower Generation Market Outlook
    10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      10.3.3.1.1. By Value
    10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      10.3.3.2.1. By Capacity
      10.3.3.2.2. By Application

11. MARKET DYNAMICS

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. MARKET TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. COMPANY PROFILES

13.1. Andritz Hydro USA Inc.
  13.1.1. Business Overview
  13.1.2. Key Revenue and Financials
  13.1.3. Recent Developments
  13.1.4. Key Personnel
  13.1.5. Key Product/Services Offered
13.2. E. Energy
13.3. China Hydroelectric Corporation
13.4. Sinohydro Corporation
13.5. IHI Corporation
13.6. Alstom Hydro
13.7. CPFL Energia S.A.
13.8. ABB Ltd.
13.9. China Three Gorges Corporation
13.10. Gerdau S.A.

14. STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS

15. ABOUT US & DISCLAIMER