This report was previously published by BP.
Figures refer to gross generation and do not account for cross-border electricity supply. According to the source, the data was converted on the basis of thermal equivalence: the amount of fuel required by thermal power stations to produce the indicated electricity output.
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Global share of hydropower consumption 2023, by country
In 2023, China stood out as the largest consumer of hydroelectricity worldwide, accounting for nearly ** percent of the total global consumption. Other noteworthy consumers of hydroelectric power worldwide are Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
How did the hydropower industry begin?
The inception of the hydropower industry dates to the construction of the first hydroelectric plant in 1879 at Niagara Falls, North America. The pioneering plant powered a small city in Wisconsin; the hydropower industry has significantly developed since then. Hydroelectric power is generated by harnessing the power of flowing streams and rivers, making it one of the cheapest and cleanest renewable energy sources.
Future insights on the hydropower industry
The small hydropower industry market is expected to grow in the upcoming years, reaching about **** billion U.S. dollars by 2030. Rising demand for clean energy is expected to propel the market in the upcoming years.
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NEI. (June 20, 2024). Distribution of hydropower consumption worldwide in 2023, by country [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from /statistics/274012/countries-with-the-highest-share-of-hydropower-consumption/
NEI. "Distribution of hydropower consumption worldwide in 2023, by country." Chart. June 20, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 26, 2026. /statistics/274012/countries-with-the-highest-share-of-hydropower-consumption/
NEI. (2024). Distribution of hydropower consumption worldwide in 2023, by country. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 26, 2026. /statistics/274012/countries-with-the-highest-share-of-hydropower-consumption/
NEI. "Distribution of Hydropower Consumption Worldwide in 2023, by Country." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 20 Jun 2024, /statistics/274012/countries-with-the-highest-share-of-hydropower-consumption/
NEI, Distribution of hydropower consumption worldwide in 2023, by country ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/274012/countries-with-the-highest-share-of-hydropower-consumption/ (last visited July 26, 2026)
Distribution of hydropower consumption worldwide in 2023, by country [Graph], NEI, June 20, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/274012/countries-with-the-highest-share-of-hydropower-consumption/
