Mercedes Mullins
Hydropower is a renewable energy source derived from flowing water. It is one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide and has the largest electricity generation capacity compared to other renewable energy sources. Countries are installing hydropower plants at an increasing rate to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. In Canada, hydroelectricity generation in 2023 was 359.29 million megawatt-hours, while generation from combustible fuels was 127.02 million megawatt-hours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hydropower's ability to replace fossil fuels | Hydropower is a renewable energy source derived from flowing water. It is one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide. |
| Hydropower's electricity generation capacity | Hydropower has the largest electricity generation capacity compared to other renewable energy sources. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, hydroelectricity generation in Canada was 381.41, 390.75 and 381.64 million megawatt-hours, respectively. In 2023, it was 359.29 million megawatt-hours. |
| Cost-effectiveness | Hydropower is one of the most cost-effective means of generating electricity. |
| Employment opportunities | In 2017, 1.5 million people worked in the hydropower sector and another 290,000 in the small hydropower sector. |
| Examples of hydropower plants | The Gorges Dam in China is the world's largest hydropower plant at 22.5 gigawatts (GW), producing 80 to 100 terawatt-hours per year—enough energy to supply between 70 to 80 million households. In Norway, 99% of the country's electricity is generated from hydropower. |
| Reducing reliance on fossil fuels | Hydropower plants are being installed at an increasing rate to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. For example, Maine is holding public hearings on a proposed $1 billion hydropower transmission line to deliver Canadian hydropower to consumers in Massachusetts. |
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What You'll Learn
Hydropower's electricity generation capacity
Hydropower is one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide, and countries are increasingly turning to hydropower plants to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. In 2017, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported that 1.5 million people worked in the hydropower sector, with a further 290,000 in the small hydropower sector.
Hydropower has the largest electricity generation capacity compared to other renewable energy sources. For example, in Norway, 99% of the country's electricity is generated from hydropower. The Gorges Dam in China is the world's largest hydropower plant, producing 80 to 100 terawatt-hours per year, enough to supply 70 to 80 million households.
In Canada, hydroelectricity generation has been declining in recent years due to low precipitation and record-high temperatures. In 2016, hydroelectricity generation was 381.41 million megawatt-hours, but this dropped to 359.29 million megawatt-hours in 2023. Despite this decline, hydroelectricity remains Canada's second-leading source of electricity generation, after combustible fuels.
To increase hydropower's electricity generation capacity, countries can invest in new hydropower plants and transmission lines. For example, Maine is considering a proposed $1 billion hydropower transmission line to deliver Canadian hydropower to consumers in Massachusetts. This project is expected to reduce Maine residents' reliance on fossil fuels.
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Cost-effectiveness of hydropower
Hydropower is one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide, and countries are installing hydropower plants at an increasing rate to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Hydropower has the largest electricity generation capacity compared to other renewable energy sources, and is one of the most cost-effective means of generating electricity. For example, in Norway, 99% of the country's electricity is generated from hydropower.
The Gorges Dam in China is the world's largest hydropower plant at 22.5 gigawatts (GW), producing 80 to 100 terawatt-hours per year—enough energy to supply between 70 to 80 million households. In Canada, hydroelectricity generation was 359.29 million megawatt-hours in 2023, while generation from combustible fuels was 127.02 million megawatt-hours.
Hydropower is a renewable energy source derived from flowing water. Its history can be traced as far back as ancient Greece, where 2,000 years ago waterpower was used to operate wheels for grinding grain. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has collected extensive data on how different renewable energy sources have performed worldwide, the energy they output, the cost it takes to implement these technologies, and the employment opportunities per renewable energy source.
Maine is also holding public hearings on a proposed $1 billion hydropower transmission line to deliver Canadian hydropower to consumers in Massachusetts. Central Maine Power has proposed $258 million in incentives, including money for low-income consumers. Governor Janet Mills said the project will reduce Maine residents’ reliance on fossil fuels.
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Hydropower's history
Hydropower is one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide and is being used increasingly to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In 2023, Canada's second leading source of electricity generation was combustible fuels, which include natural gas, coal, fuel oil, diesel and biomass, such as wood.
Hydropower has a long history in Canada, with the first use of water to produce electricity dating back to 1881 when the Ottawa Electric Light Company built a wheel at Chaudieres Falls. This was used to power street lights and local mills. In 1885, a hydropower generating station became operational near Montmorency Falls to provide lighting to the city of Quebec. Street lamps on the Terrasse Dufferin in Quebec City were also powered by a plant at Montmorency Falls, while lamps in Montreal were lit by a plant on the Lachine rapids. In 1892, the first hydropower generating station was built on the Lachine Canal in Montreal. In 1897, the Saint-Narcisse generating station provided power to the city of Trois-Rivières. At the time, the 27-kilometre transmission line was the longest in the entire British Empire. The oldest high-head hydropower generating station in Canada is located in southern Ontario at DeCew Falls. The first hydropower facility in Manitoba was completed in 1900, at the Minnedosa River Plant.
With more than 500 facilities scattered across the country, waterpower is Canada's number one electricity source, producing 385 TWh/year, which is over 60% of Canada's total electricity generation. Canada is the third-largest hydro producer in the world.
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Hydropower plants in Canada
Hydropower is one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide. Countries are installing hydropower plants at an increasing rate not only to provide power to their people, but also to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. In Canada, hydroelectricity generation was 359.29 million megawatt-hours in 2023, while generation from combustible fuels was 127.02 million megawatt-hours. This makes hydroelectricity Canada's second leading source of electricity generation, after combustible fuels.
Hydropower has the largest electricity generation capacity compared to other renewable energy sources. It is also one of the most cost-effective means of generating electricity. For example, in Norway, 99% of the country's electricity is generated from hydropower. The Gorges Dam in China is the world's largest hydropower plant at 22.5 gigawatts (GW), producing 80 to 100 terawatt-hours per year—enough energy to supply between 70 to 80 million households.
In addition to large-scale hydropower plants, small-scale hydropower can also make a big difference in the transition away from fossil fuels. According to IRENA, 1.5 million people worked in the hydropower sector and another 290,000 in the small hydropower sector in 2017.
Maine is currently holding public hearings on a proposed $1 billion hydropower transmission line to deliver Canadian hydropower to consumers in Massachusetts. The project is expected to reduce Maine residents' reliance on fossil fuels.
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Hydropower's potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels
Hydropower has the potential to reduce Canada's reliance on fossil fuels. Hydropower is a renewable energy source derived from flowing water. It is one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide and has the largest electricity generation capacity compared to other renewable energy sources.
In 2023, Canada's second leading source of electricity generation was combustible fuels, which include natural gas, coal, fuel oil, diesel and biomass. However, hydropower generation in Canada has been decreasing in recent years due to low precipitation and record high temperatures. In 2016, hydroelectricity generation was 381.41 million megawatt-hours, but by 2023, it had decreased to 359.29 million megawatt-hours.
Despite this, hydropower has the potential to replace fossil fuels in Canada. For example, in Norway, 99% of the country's electricity is generated from hydropower. The Gorges Dam in China is the world's largest hydropower plant, producing enough energy to supply between 70 and 80 million households.
Additionally, Maine is holding public hearings on a proposed $1 billion hydropower transmission line to deliver Canadian hydropower to consumers in Massachusetts. The project is expected to reduce Maine residents' reliance on fossil fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
Hydropower is a renewable energy source derived from flowing water.
Hydropower is one of the main sources of renewable energy worldwide. Countries are installing hydropower plants at an increasing rate to provide power to their people and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Hydropower has the largest electricity generation capacity compared to other renewable energy sources. In Norway, 99% of the country’s electricity is generated from hydropower. The Gorges Dam in China is the world’s largest hydropower plant at 22.5 gigawatts (GW), producing 80 to 100 terawatt-hours per year—enough energy to supply between 70 to 80 million households.
Canada’s second leading source of electricity generation is combustible fuels, which include natural gas, coal, fuel oil, diesel and biomass, such as wood. By investing in hydropower plants, Canada can reduce its reliance on these fossil fuels.
