n HYDROPOWER International Energy Agency（n水电站国际能源机构(iea)）.pdf

Renewable Energy Essentials: Hydropower n Hydropower is currently the most common form of renewable energy and plays an important part in global power generation. Worldwide hydropower produced 3 288 TWh, just over 16% of global electricity production in 2008, and the overall technical potential for hydropower is estimated to be more than 16 400 TWh/yr. n The BLUE scenario of the IEA publication Energy Technology Perspectives 2010, which aims to achieve a 50% reduction in energy-related CO emissions by 2050, projects that hydro could produce up to 2 6 000 TWh in 2050. n Hydropower’s storage capacity and fast response characteristics are especially valuable to meet sudden fluctuations in electricity demand and to match supply from less flexible electricity sources and variable renewable sources. n The costs of power production from hydropower can vary widely depending on project details, but usually fall into a range of USD 50 to 100/MWh. Upgrading existing hydropower plant projects offers further options for cost-effective increases in generation capacity. n The environmental and social effects of hydropower projects need to be carefully considered. Countries should follow an integrated approach in managing their water resources, planning hydropow