Hydropower’s Hidden Potential: 60% of Resources Untapped and Storage Capacity Set to Expand

**TL;DR** Hydropower, providing 14% of global electricity, possesses significant untapped potential, with 60% of resources in developing countries awaiting development. Its unique flexibility and expanding energy storage capabilities position it as a critical asset for future energy diversification.

The world's energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation, compelling a strategic reevaluation of power sources. Surging fossil fuel prices and a global push for energy security highlight the urgency of diversifying electricity generation. Amidst this shift, hydropower, a long-standing but often overlooked resource, emerges with renewed importance.

Hydropower ranks as the world’s third-largest electricity source, generating approximately 4,500 terawatt-hours and supplying 14% of global power. Despite this substantial contribution, roughly 60% of hydroelectric resources in emerging and developing countries remain undeveloped.

This underutilization prompted IEA chief Fatih Birol to label hydropower the "forgotten giant of electricity." The International Energy Agency (IEA) detailed this assessment in a comprehensive 2021 report, which systematically analyzed global hydropower capacity and projected future energy demands to identify areas of significant untapped potential.

Unlike intermittent sources like solar and wind, hydropower plants offer critical operational flexibility, capable of rapidly adjusting power output to meet fluctuating demand. This makes hydro an essential partner for grid stability, providing reliable power when other renewables are not generating. Beyond generation, its energy storage capabilities are pivotal. Pumped-storage hydro (PSH) facilities, often described as "water batteries," represent the largest form of electricity storage worldwide. These systems currently provide nearly 200 gigawatts of capacity globally, accounting for 90% of all long-duration energy storage. Projections indicate a substantial expansion, with plans to develop an additional 570 gigawatts of PSH capacity in the coming years. Innovative approaches, such as submersible hydroelectric technology being explored in waterways like the Great Lakes, further demonstrate the sector's adaptability.

Unlocking hydropower's extensive potential offers a clear pathway for nations to bolster energy security, facilitate industrialization, and manage rising electricity demand. As global efforts intensify to transition to cleaner energy systems, the strategic development, modernization, and integration of hydroelectric infrastructure will be paramount. Look for continued international investment in PSH and advanced hydro technologies to stabilize grids and accelerate the global energy transition.