Global Hydropower Development
The 2026 Global Hydropower Outlook by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) highlights significant developments in global hydropower, with a focus on China's leadership.
India's Hydropower Capacity
- India targets 100 GW of pumped storage hydropower by 2035-36.
- In 2025, India added 4,267 MW of hydropower capacity, leading in Central and South Asia.
- The country has the largest installed capacity in the region at 56,336 MW.
- India's Central Electricity Authority (CEA) identifies 288 GW of pumped storage potential.
China's Dominance
- China began construction on the Yarlung Zangbo River project, set to generate three times more electricity than the Three Gorges Dam.
- China added over 40% of global hydropower capacity in 2025.
- Over 300 GW of hydropower under construction in China, including 217.5 GW of pumped storage.
Pumped Storage Hydropower
- Pumped storage surpassed 200 GW globally in 2025.
- Record 11.7 GW of pumped storage capacity added in 2025.
- Seen as crucial for long-duration energy storage and grid flexibility.
Regional Developments
- Southeast Asia focuses on regional energy integration with 52.6 GW of conventional hydropower and 35.8 GW of pumped storage in development.
- The ASEAN Power Grid initiative gains momentum with renewed cooperation and financing support from global institutions.
- Countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Sarawak in Malaysia position as regional hydropower exporters.
Shifts in Energy Strategy
- Countries are focusing on long-duration storage and resilient domestic power generation due to geopolitical tensions.
- Hydropower is increasingly integrated with wind and solar for a more flexible grid.
Policy and Support
- Global policy support is growing for large-scale flexibility and storage infrastructure.
- South Korea resumed major pumped storage projects after a 14-year hiatus.
- Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam advancing significant pumped storage projects.
