Hydropower

As demand grows for clean, reliable, and affordable energy, the role of hydropower has increased over the past decade as developing nations move to harness their resources. Hydropower reservoirs are often built for multiple purposes, such as irrigation and drought protection that drives poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

As the world’s largest affordable renewable energy source, hydropower currently accounts for about 18 percent of the total world electricity supply.

This critical renewable energy resource brings could be instrumental in bringing light and heat to 1.6 billion people who currently lack access—mostly in Africa. As an energy source, hydropower can provide tremendous economic and environmental benefits to the world’s poor, but development is complex and brings a range of economic, social, and environmental risks that must be taken into account.

Currently, the World Bank Group is engaged in hydropower projects in all its regions. These efforts can be divided into four main points:

1. Construction of new hydropower projects
2. Rehabilitation of existing hydropower projects
3. Other lending, capacity building, DPL
4. Analytical work

Recent Events:
Workshop on Rehabilitation of Hydropower

Further Resources:
India Hydropower Development
Rampur Hydropower Project
Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project

Indonesia - Upper Cisokan Pumped Storage Hydro-Electrical Power (1040 MW) Project

Vietnam - Trung Son Hydropower Project

Ukraine  - Additional Financing for the Hydropower Rehabilitation Project

Africa - Additional Financing for the Felou Hydroelectric Project