As the global economy recovers from recession, the demand for renewable, reliable and clean energy continues to grow. Hydropower plays an important role in many economies, including those in transition or pushing for stronger economic growth. After a downturn in the 1990s, the hydropower market re-bounded in the late 2000s and remains buoyant. It is estimated that the investment is currently worth over £40 billion per annum, amounting to a total of £1 trillion over the next 25 years. The reasons for this reinvestment are complex, but a key driver is the acceptance that a transition from carbon-intensive fossil fuels to low carbon renewable energy systems is essential for long-term sustainability. As a result, the World Bank and other international finance institutions are now fully supportive of hydropower schemes.
展开▼
