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32 GW of new hydropower capacity in 2016

The world’s hydropower capacity increased by a total of 32 GW in 2016 to make 1,246 GW, according to the latest figures from the International Hydropower Association. 

Around 6.4 GW of the 32 GW of new commissioned capacity last year took the form of new pumped storage installations – double the amount of pumped storage commissioned in 2015.

The data is contained in the IHA’s 2017 Key Trends in Hydropower report, which also indicates that a total of 150 GW of pumped storage capacity currently exists worldwide. 

Regionally, China continues its lead in terms of the volume of new hydropower capacity – installing 12 GW in 2016, including 3.7 GW of pumped storage. Brazil also saw significant growth, installing 6.4 GW, which included the completion of its 3.8 GW Jirau project – the third largest hydropower project in the country.

Some other current trends affecting the sector identified in the report include a growth in ultra-high voltage power transmission connecting hydro projects to markets. 

The report also says that hydropower carbon footprinting has been improved with the arrival of a framework for calculating the net greenhouse gas emissions of freshwater reservoirs.

Meanwhile, a 720 MW run-of-river hydropower project in Pakistan has received $100mn in financing from IFC,
a member of the World Bank Group, allowing the $1.7bn project on the Jhelum River to reach financial close. The China Three Gorges Corporation will be developing the project. It is expected to start operation in 2022.

News Item details


Journal title: Energy World

Subjects: Energy research, Energy consumption, Gas, Hydro power, Emissions

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