Small Hydropower Projects Drive Market Expansion: Global Market Forecast at $318.3 Billion by 2030

According to the latest report by Meticulous Research®, the global Hydropower Plants Market is set to expand to $318.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2024 to 2030. The growth of this market is propelled by a surge in the demand for renewable energy, government backing of hydropower projects, and increasing adoption of micro-hydropower plants, which offer low-maintenance solutions and easy replacement. However, the substantial upfront construction costs could limit market expansion in the coming years.

The increased usage of water’s kinetic energy for electricity generation, along with the development of small hydropower projects, presents significant opportunities for industry stakeholders. Nonetheless, challenges such as water management disputes and uncertainty surrounding climate change’s effects on local hydrological systems remain obstacles for the hydropower market.

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Market Dynamics

Drivers:

Growing Demand for Renewable Energy

The global push toward sustainable energy sources, as countries strive to meet climate change goals, has bolstered the demand for hydropower. Governments are focusing on renewable energy production, and hydropower plants are becoming key components of national energy grids due to their reliability and efficiency.

Government Incentives for Hydropower Development
Government initiatives and subsidies are driving hydropower projects forward, with many countries aiming to reduce their carbon footprints. These projects are benefiting from policy support, further incentivizing the adoption of hydropower solutions.

Rising Demand for Micro-Hydropower Plants
Small hydropower plants, which generate less than 1MW, have gained popularity due to their low cost, easy maintenance, and ability to provide electricity to remote areas. Governments are increasingly supporting the implementation of these projects, especially in rural regions of developing countries.

Restraints:

High Initial Costs

One of the primary challenges facing the hydropower industry is the high upfront cost of constructing hydropower plants. Building dams, reservoirs, and other infrastructure requires significant investment, which may slow the development of new projects, particularly in emerging markets.

Opportunities:

Growth in Small Hydropower Projects

Small hydropower plants have seen significant adoption in rural electrification efforts. Government support for these smaller systems is expected to provide an essential opportunity for expansion in developing regions where large-scale projects are not feasible.

Technological Advancements
Advances in technology, particularly in predictive maintenance and control systems for hydropower plants, are creating new avenues for improving efficiency and performance. These innovations are expected to drive further market growth by reducing operating costs and extending the lifespan of hydropower facilities.

Market Segmentation

By Component:

Solutions

The solutions segment, which includes turbines, generators, control systems, and hydraulic equipment, is expected to dominate the market in 2024. Rising demand for advanced turbines and power generators, as well as increasing adoption of predictive maintenance solutions, is contributing to the growth of this segment.

Services
The services segment, covering plant design, retrofitting, operation, and maintenance services, is also expected to witness significant growth. As hydropower facilities age, demand for these services is increasing, ensuring that plants continue to operate efficiently and meet energy demands.

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By Capacity:

Small Hydropower Plants (Up to 1MW)

The small hydropower segment is anticipated to capture the largest share of the market in 2024. This is driven by the use of small hydropower projects for rural electrification, government investments, and lower associated costs. The segment’s growth is further supported by increasing installations in developing countries.

Medium (1MW-10MW) and Large Hydropower Plants (Above 10MW)
Medium and large-scale hydropower plants remain vital for powering large regions and industries. These facilities generate more electricity and are essential for meeting the growing demand for clean energy, particularly in densely populated or industrialized areas.

By Type:

Impoundment Powerplants

In 2024, impoundment powerplants are expected to command the largest share of the market. These plants, which store water in reservoirs, not only generate electricity but also serve additional purposes, such as providing water for irrigation and recreation. The growing need for multipurpose hydropower systems is driving demand in this segment.

Pumped Storage Powerplants
Pumped storage powerplants, which store energy by moving water between two reservoirs, are expected to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period. These plants are increasingly being used to stabilize electricity grids by balancing supply and demand, especially as more intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar are integrated into power systems.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Market:

In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global hydropower plants market, accounting for the largest share. The region benefits from a combination of favorable factors, including lower production costs for renewable energy, government investments, and the rapid expansion of infrastructure in developing countries. Major projects in China, India, and Japan are driving this growth, as these countries seek to enhance their energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Asia-Pacific region is also witnessing the development of micro and mini hydropower stations, which are proving to be effective solutions for providing electricity to rural and off-grid areas. In addition, the increasing investments in small hydropower projects in China and India are expected to fuel market growth further.

North America and Europe:

Both North America and Europe remain critical markets for hydropower, thanks to ongoing investments in renewable energy infrastructure and the modernization of existing hydropower plants. The U.S., Canada, and countries in Europe are increasingly focusing on upgrading older facilities with advanced technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Key Players

The global hydropower plants market features several prominent companies, including: 

Some of the key players operating in the global hydropower plants market include: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (India), Flovel Energy Private Limited (India), General Electric Company (U.S.), Natel Energy, Inc. (U.S.), Siemens Energy AG (a subsidiary of Siemens AG) (Germany), SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (Canada), Toshiba Corporation(Japan), Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA (Germany), KOLEKTOR GROUP d.o.o. (Slovenia), Canadian Hydro Components Ltd. (Canada), Hitachi Mitsubishi Hydro Corporation (a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd.) (Japan), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), China Three Gorges Corporation (China), Tata Power Company Limited (India), and IHI Corporation (Japan).

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Conclusion

The global hydropower plants market is positioned for steady growth, supported by increasing demand for renewable energy, government initiatives, and advancements in hydropower technology. Despite challenges like high initial construction costs and the complexities of water management, the market presents significant opportunities, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, where small hydropower projects are gaining momentum. With key players such as Bharat Heavy Electricals, General Electric, and Voith leading the charge, the hydropower industry is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of renewable energy worldwide.

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