Global hydropower hits record 4,437TWh in 2025 but share of electricity falls

Global electricity demand growth continues to outpace hydropower expansion.

Hydropower output reached record 4,437 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025, whilst its share of global electricity generation fell to 14%, the lowest level on record, according to Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2026.

China recorded the largest increase in hydropower generation in 2025, adding 45 TWh, supported by above-average rainfall and improving hydrological conditions from 2024 into 2025.

It also remained the world’s largest hydropower generator in 2025 at 1,399 TWh, with hydropower accounting for 13% of its electricity generation.

Despite hydropower capacity growing by 43% since 2010 and generation rising by 29%, capacity factors declined in major markets, including China, where they fell to 34% in 2023 before reaching 36% in 2025.

India ranked second, adding 21 TWh, supported by high monsoon rainfall and four gigawatts of new capacity.

Bhutan generated 100% of its electricity from hydropower amongst countries with at least five TWh of hydro generation, whilst Nepal recorded 99%.