Hydropower to play major role in future electricity demand

Hydropower is very efficient source of renewable energy. The kinetic energy of moving water generates electricity. The first commercial hydroelectric power plant was built at Niagara Falls way back in 1879.

The demand for both small and big hydropower projects is expected to grow significantly in the next five years, until the 2020. Small hydro construction is currently more popular because of the lower costs, simpler design and easier construction but this doesn't mean that there won't be large hydro projects in the upcoming years.

Administration and regulatory framework, prior approval from governments, and high costs are stumbling blocks surrounding large hydro projects. Latest example comes from Guyana where government has cancelled plan to build large hydro project from the Amaila Falls by explaining that the project is too expensive.

However, the world population is constantly growing which will lead to higher electricity demand in many countries. International Atomic Energy Agency claims that the global demand for electricity is expected to double between 2002 and 2030, with 4,259 TWh of electricity will be generated through hydropower plants.

In 2014, the hydropower generated 3,982 TW of electricity. It has been estimated that global installed hydropower capacity will increase from 1,056 GW in 2014 to 1,446 GW by 2019.