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GLOBAL Renewable Energy Resources

Hydropower

Hydraulic Energy Potential

If precipitations falls on high ground, they exhibit so-called potential energy: On their way down through the valleys to the sea, the water can
do work. - Therefore, mountainous countries with sufficient rainfall are particularly suitable for making use of hydropower.
The maps show the theoretical energy potential in relation to the country area, in MWh/km²a. The countries having the highest relative
potential are: Bhutan, Nepal, Tajikistan and Switzerland.

Worldwide, the theoretical energy potential is above 40,000 TWh per year, corresponding to a mean power of at least 4.6 TW.
(For comparison: 9 billion people, each requiring 2,000 watts, would have a total power requirement of 18 TW, equivalent to an annual energy demand of 160,000 TWh.)

The values are based on the Survey of Energy Resources 2004, published by the World Energy Council WEC. They have been used with permission of the editor Elsevier, Oxford.

http://www.energie-atlas.ch/wa-100.htm

Hydropower: Usage/Potential (2002)

The map shows the ratio of usage and potential of hydropower resources by continent. Especially Africa but also Asia and South America could use a higher amount of their hydraulic energy reserves.

http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis/publications/default/launches/ser04/ser04.asp

Related GENI Resources

Definition Hydropower
Current Articles on Renewable Energy Resources and Transmission
National Energy Grid Maps

Links

IEA Hydropower
International Hydropower Association (IHA)
WEC Survey of Energy Resources

EERE Hydropower
NREL Hydropower
European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA)