#GlobalHydropowerDay
On October 11, 2026 - we are celebrating the essential role of hydropower in keeping the world energy secure. We celebrate the technology, the people who make it possible, and the millions people whose lives have been transformed by clean, reliable electricity.
As the world accelerates the transition to clean energy, hydropower remains indispensable. It is the oldest form of renewable energy — and the most proven. Hydropower not only generates electricity but also stores energy, balances grid fluctuations, manages water resources, and strengthens the resilience of communities. No country has come close to achieving 100% renewables without hydropower in the energy mix.
This year's Global Hydropower Day theme — “Hydropower Heroes: Keeping the World Energy Secure” — shines a light on the people and projects that make this possible every day.
Led by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and supported by developers, operators, manufacturers, and industry associations worldwide, this day recognizes the positive impact of sustainable hydropower on people and communities around the world.
Frédéric Sauzé, President and CEO of ANDRITZ Hydropower,Member of the ANDRITZ GROUP Executive Board, and Vice Chair of the IHA Board.
"Hydropower is the backbone of a secure, clean energy system. As the global demand for more renewable energy capacity, more storage capacity, and more grid stability continues to rise, hydropower meets on all these requirements. I'm proud that ANDRITZ and our global team continue to drive innovation and partnerships that make this possible — today and for generations to come".
Hydropower - Clean. Reliable. Essential.
Renewable hydropower is a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective source of clean electricity generation and responsible water management. Modern hydropower plants help accelerate the transition to a clean energy supply by providing important services in the areas of electricity generation, energy storage, flexibility, and climate protection.
Hydropower is also an important resource for building secure, clean electricity systems and achieving global net-zero goals.
Key facts:
- 1,469 GW installed hydropower capacity worldwide
- 4,495 TWh of generation in 2025
- About 45% of total electricity from renewable sources comes from hydropower
- 14% of total global electricity generation
- US$ 0.062 per kWh — one of the cheapest sources of electricity
- 2.3 million+ people employed directly worldwide
Hydropower: Powering communities and progress
Hydropower is not limited to electricity generation. It offers socioeconomic benefits, creates local jobs, supports regional economies, ensures water supply and flood protection, and can be used for irrigation and navigation.
Hydropower is more important than ever before, as it is a key to climate adaptation, providing flexible energy and water storage. Hydropower can deliver greater benefits with less water.
On-site team of E.B. Campbell March 2025
Hydropower - Flexible. Balancing.
Hydropower is the optimal complement to variable renewables like wind and solar thanks to its flexibility and energy storage services.
Pumped storage hydropower is the world's largest battery technology, with a global installed capacity over 200 GW — accounting for over 90% of the world's long-duration energy storage, well ahead of lithium-ion and other battery types.
No smoke. No carbon.
Globally, hydropower generation avoids an estimated 2.2 gigatons of CO2 emissions per year by replacing electricity generated from fossil fuels.
The IEA net-zero scenarios show that global hydropower capacity would need to reach around 2,500 GW by 2050 to support a 1.5 °C pathway — requiring more than 1,000 GW of new capacity.
Best practice examples of sustainable hydropower
Join us and celebrate #GlobalHydropowerDay !
Today, we honor the professionals who drive innovation and the communities whose futures are brighter thanks to hydropower.
Together, we are keeping the world energy secure — #WithHydropower.
