Global Hydropower Generation

Updated on 08.25.2022

5 min read

High School
Life and earth sciences

Production from hydroelectric dams is highly dependent on the pluviometric conditions, which influence the storage in dams and the flow rate of major rivers. Production dropped significantly in 2021, in particular in Brazil, which continues to be a drought-stricken country. On a global level, hydroelectricity is by far the leading , accounting for 15% of the world mix. China is by far the leading producer, ahead of Canada, Brazil and the United States.  

Global Hydropower Production (in terawatt-hours – TWh)

Source: The Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy™ 2023
Pays202120222021-2022 Change
China13001303.10.2%
Brazil362.8427.117.7%
Canada382.8398.44.1%
United States249.0258.63.9%
Russia214.5197.7-7.9%
India160.3174.99.1%
Norway143.3127.6-10.9%
Vietnam75.996.026.4%
Japan79.574.9-5.9%
Sweden73.869.8-5.5%
Turkey55.967.220.1%
Colombia60.564.36.3%
Venezuela67.866.6-1.8%
France58.744.6-24%
Austria38.835.5-8.3%
Italy45.428.2-38%
Total World4,288.84,334.21.1%
Global Hydropower Generation.pdf Global Hydropower Generation.pdf