The International Hydropower Association (IHA) launched the 2024 World Hydropower Outlook in China today in Beijing, in collaboration with the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR).

The Outlook was presented to delegates at the 3rd Asia International Water Week (AIWW), during a thematic session on sustainable hydropower development.

The World Hydropower Outlook, a flagship annual publication by IHA, tracks and directs the progress of hydropower development globally against net zero pathways. It recommends ‘More, Better, Faster’ hydropower projects coming forward, that are delivered to the highest possible standards of sustainability with a more efficient permitting process.

Key statistics from the publication on China include:

The East Asia and Pacific region is the world’s leading region on hydropower development with 526 GW total installed capacity.

China once again leads the way for the region, with 6.7 GW installed capacity added in 2023, of which 6.2 GW was pumped storage hydropower (PSH).

The 2024 World Hydropower Outlook in China was launched during a session that explored the rapid development of China’s hydropower sector and what must be done in the future in the renewables sector to ensure net zero is a possibility.

The 3rd AIWW is hosted by the Asia Water Council and the Ministry of Water Resources of China and organised IWHR.

On the launch of the Outlook, IHA Chair Anton-Louis Olivier, said: “China has shown great leadership for the hydropower sector in recent years and the findings in this year’s Outlook reflect that. The remarkable progress in hydropower and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) development is a great reminder of the continuing work that needs to be done. It is great to be here in Beijing this week to discuss this important work and our delegation in China will be lucky to see an example of this first-hand in the coming days, with visits to key hydropower and PSH sites.

“IHA is honoured to launch the Outlook here in Beijing at the 3rd AIWW. I would also like to thank our IHA China Office IWHR for facilitating this and organising such a successful event. I encourage everyone to read the publication to learn more about the key trends and statistics on hydropower worldwide in the last year. This week has highlighted positives in this regard but more work needs to be done.”

Vice President of IWHR and Director of the IHA China Office, Mr Liu Yi, commented: “IWHR is glad to facilitate the launch of this important publication here in China, which represents the featured work of the IHA and hydropower industry.

“Today’s session reflected the inspirational work that has been done and the plans for the future. IWHR is proud to be a part of this conversation. I would like everyone to read this Outlook to learn about the work the world and China is doing in hydropower and how we can strive to achieve sustainability and continual growth in this sector."

Download the 2024 World Hydropower Outlook here.

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