The hydropower sector’s contribution to a sustainable and prosperous Europe is a new macroeconomic study of hydropower in Europe. It outlines both the direct and indirect macroeconomic benefits of hydropower in the 28 European Union (EU) member states, alongside Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.

The International Hydropower participated in the study, which was conducted by DNV GL, a technical consultancy, on behalf of 21 hydropower companies. It is the most comprehensive assessment of European hydropower to date.

The study's findings include that hydropower:

• Accounts for 18 per cent of Europe's total electricity generation as well as more than 150 GW of firm capacity;
• Provides 220 TWh of storage capacity in Europe;
• Contributes EUR 25 billion to the EU's GDP and EUR 38 billion to Europe's total GDP;
• Currently provides 80,000 high-qualified jobs in the EU and 120,000 in Europe. The job value creation per person is eight times higher than the European average in the manufacturing sector.