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Hydropower and the World's Energy Future
The role of hydropower in bringing clean, renewable, energy to the world
International Hydropower Association
Compton, West Sussex
United Kingdom
International Commission on Large Dams
Paris, France
Implementing Agreement on Hydropower
Technologies and Programmes/
International Energy Agency
Paris, France
Canadian Hydropower Association
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
November 2000
2
Preface
The inherent technical, economic and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power make it an important
contributor to the future world energy mix, particularly in the developing countries. These countries have a
great and ever-intensifying need for power and water supplies and they also have greatest remaining hydro
potential.
Development is a basic human right, as few would deny. Energy policy makers must meet their
responsibility in exploring the most rational options for meeting the energy needs of the developing world,
while protecting the environment to the maximum possible extent, for example by limiting greenhouse gas
emissions.
Any infrastructure development inevitably involves a certain degree of change. The construction of dams,
and their associated reservoirs and hydroelectric powerplants, creates certain physical and social aspects,
and a large amount of attention has focused in recent years on the negative impacts only. Less account has
been taken of the benefits of hydropower and of the knowledge and willingness which exists within the
profession to anticipate, mitigate and/or compensate for negative aspects.
This paper therefore sets out:
· The role hydropower can play in the future, in the context of demographic growth and increasing
demands for energy.
· The potential for future hydropower development throughout the world.
· The inherent benefits of hydropower, both technical and environmental, in comparison with other
energy options.
· A review of specific environmental and social...