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World Potential
Hydropower technology has been extensively deployed throughout
the world at both large and small scale for electricity
generation, and at small scale for mechanical power. This
generally places hydropower at an advantage over other
renewable technologies for new deployment, since operational
or abandoned schemes are often available within the target
country. Operational, design and construction experience
may well also be available there. The technology is technically
and commercially mature. Small scale hydro schemes can
make a useful contribution to rural electrification strategies,
presenting a suitable alternative to decentralised diesel
generation, particularly where fuel supply is a problem.
Some countries are encouraging deployment through subsidies
and incentives.
About 737 GW of hydropower with production 2767 GWh/yr,
has been developed globally, 47 GW/site of which is small
hydropower. A total of about 118 GW of hydro capacity
is under construction. The remaining non utilised global
hydropower potential is estimated at 300GW.
Small Hydro Installed Capacity
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