Hydropower Generation Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Capacity, By Application, By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F

Description

The Global Hydropower Generation Market was valued at USD 431.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to 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 also 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 to growing industrialization and energy demand. Despite challenges related to capital intensity and environmental concerns, hydropower continues to gain traction as a dependable and scalable renewable energy source.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 431.8 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 621.5 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	6.1%
Fastest Growing Segment	Small Hydro Power Plant
Largest Market	North America

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 to meet climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Many governments are integrating hydropower into national strategies to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century. For instance, Spain's Endesa, a subsidiary of Enel, recently acquired 626 MW of hydro 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 to acquire over 85 hydropower plants from Uniper by 2030 to 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 into billions of dollars. These projects also face long development timelines due to 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 to capital markets. Additionally, hydropower projects are vulnerable to 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 to 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 to 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 to 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 to promote energy access in underserved regions, the trend toward decentralized hydropower is expected to strengthen significantly.

Key Market Players

Andritz Hydro USA Inc.
E. Energy
China Hydroelectric Corporation
Sinohydro 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 into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Hydropower Generation Market, By Capacity:

Small Hydro Power Plant
Medium Hydro Power Plant
Large Hydro 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 to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

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.