What is hydropower?
Hydropower is a clean source of energy which uses the force or energy of moving water to generate power.
This power, or ‘hydroelectricity’, is generated when falling water is channelled through water turbines. The pressure of the flowing water on turbine blades rotates a shaft and drives an electrical generator, converting the motion into electrical energy.
Hydropower is the most advanced and mature renewable energy technology, and provides some level of electricity generation in more than 160 countries worldwide.
How is hydropower used in Australia?
In 2010, Australia had over 100 operating hydroelectric power stations, with a total capacity of around 8 GW.
Currently, hydroelectricity is Australia’s major source of renewable electricity, but there is limited potential for future further development.
Water availability is a key constraint on future growth in hydroelectricity generation in Australia.
In 2029–30, the share of hydropower in Australia’s total electricity generation is projected to fall to around 3.5 per cent.
More information
For more information about the use of hydropower in Australia, read the Australian Energy Resource Assessment (see Related documents).
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