Posted on 3rd Jun 2009 @ 9:03 AM

Exponential rise in energy and power consumption, depleting reserves of fossil fuel, growing demand for energy supply security, and rising concerns over environmental damage caused by fossil fuels are expected to enhance hydropower generation installed capacity to 945.8 GW by 2015.

Rapidly expanding global population, and fast-paced economic growth, particularly in developing countries, are expected to propel the demand for all forms of energy including electricity. To address the growing energy demand, countries are exploring a wide array of energy resources, including hydropower. As the most developed and widely utilized source of renewable energy, hydropower accounts for over 16% of global energy production. Hydropower is not only renewable but is also considered an economically viable alternative to electricity generated from fossil fuels. Due to the clean and renewable nature of hydro energy, few countries across the world use hydropower as the primary source of power supply.

Although developed countries have been the traditional users of hydropower energy, developing countries are steadily making efforts to exploit the vast untapped potential of hydro resources. Several countries are offering financial support and adopting policies for promoting the hydropower sector. In particular, the focus is on development of environment friendly small-scale hydropower projects, which are considered ideal for rural electrification programs. However, the development of hydropower projects faces obstacles due to environmental concerns, and issues such as large-scale population displacement, ecological damage, and loss of arable land.

Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America collectively account for the majority share of installed capacity in the hydropower generation market for 2009, according to a market research report available at Electronics.ca Publications. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest growing regional market, with hydroelectricity generation projected to grow significantly by 2012. Although hydropower development in industrialized regions of the world has reached saturation, growth in the sector is anticipated from large unexploited potential in South and Central Asia (China, India and Nepal), Brazil, Russia, Turkey, and African countries. With capacity expansion limited in the mature US and Western Europe markets due to political and environmental factors, hydropower development is largely anticipated from upgradation of existing facilities.

Major players profiled in the report include Alabama Power Company, DTE Energy Company, Duke Energy Corporation, EDF Group, E.ON AG, Fortis Inc., Hydro One Inc., Iberdrola S.A., Idaho Power Company, Manitoba Hydro, NHPC Ltd, Ontario Power Generation Inc., and Tokyo Electric Power Company.

"Hydropower Generation: A Global Strategic Business Report" provides a comprehensive review of key market issues and trends, and recent industry activity. Analysis is provided for the time periods 1995-2005 and 2006-2015 for established and emerging markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Africa, and the Middle East. Hydropower Generation market is analyzed in terms of installed capacity (MW) and hydroelectricity generation (billion kWh).

Details of the new report, table of contents and ordering information can be found on Electronics.ca Publications' web site. View the report: Hydropower Generation: A Global Strategic Business Report.