China leads global hydropower growth with 6,749 MW new installations in 2023

It is followed by Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia in East Asia and the Pacific.

China dominated the hydropower development globally and in the East Asia and Pacific region, accounting for 6,749 megawatts (MW) out of the 9,065 MW installed in 2023.

In a report, the International Hydropower Association (IHA) said China’s newly installed capacity included over 6,200 GW of pumped storage capacity, in line with its goal to have as much as 80 GW of pumped storage capacity by 2027.

“Installed hydropower capacity is expected to continue growing to meet the region’s electricity demand. It will also provide the region with electricity export opportunities,” the report read.

“Despite the existing large potential for new development, many policymakers have not included hydropower in their net-zero strategies. Fossil fuels still dominate the power systems of several countries within the region,” it added.

After China, Laos installed the second largest capacity at 548 MW, followed by Cambodia with 459 MW, Vietnam with 334 MW, and Indonesia with 182 MW.

IHA also noted that several countries have projects in the pipeline, citing Indonesia which is developing the biggest hydropower project in the country, the Mentarang Induk hydropower plant, with a capacity of 1,375MW

Indonesia also plans to resume the development of the 9,000 MW Kayan hydropower project in North Kalimantan.

For pumped storage, Australia has proposed projects to be located at the Glenbawn and Glennies Creek dams in the Hunter Valley, augmenting its renewable capacity by 1.6 gigawatts. 

The Philippines is also developing an 800 MW pumped storage project in the province of Laguna which is currently at the permitting stage.

IHA added that floating solar projects integrated with hydropower are also gaining traction in the region.