Hydropower - Europe

The Hydropower Market within the Renewable Energy sector in Europe is experiencing steady growth, primarily due to regulatory challenges, aging infrastructure, and competition from other renewable sources like wind and solar energy that offer more rapid advancements.

Customer preferences: Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their energy choices, leading to a growing interest in renewable sources like hydropower. This shift is influenced by a heightened awareness of climate change and a desire for cleaner energy solutions. Additionally, younger demographics, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are advocating for environmental responsibility and are more likely to support initiatives that enhance local ecosystems through hydropower. As a result, there is an emerging trend of community-based hydropower projects that align with these values, fostering local engagement and investment in renewable energy.

Trends in the market: In Europe, the hydropower market is experiencing a significant shift towards community-driven initiatives, with local stakeholders increasingly investing in small-scale hydropower projects. This trend is underpinned by a collective push for sustainability and ecological responsibility, aligning with European Union goals for carbon neutrality. Furthermore, technological advancements are enhancing the efficiency and environmental compatibility of hydropower systems. As these trends continue, industry stakeholders, including policymakers and energy companies, must adapt to foster collaboration and ensure these projects meet both energy demands and environmental standards.

Local special circumstances: In Europe, the hydropower market is shaped by diverse geographical landscapes, from the Alpine regions to river valleys, influencing the feasibility and scale of projects. Cultural attitudes towards sustainability and community engagement are strong, driving local investments in small-scale initiatives. Regulatory frameworks, particularly the European Union's commitment to renewable energy and biodiversity, create a supportive environment for innovation. These local factors collectively enhance collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that hydropower projects align with both energy goals and ecological preservation.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The hydropower market in Europe is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as investment trends in renewable energy, national economic stability, and fiscal policies promoting sustainability. Countries prioritizing green energy transition are attracting substantial investments, particularly in hydropower infrastructure and technology. Furthermore, the European Union’s financial incentives and commitments to reduce carbon emissions foster an environment conducive to market growth. Additionally, fluctuations in energy prices and global supply chain dynamics can impact project feasibility and financing, shaping the overall performance of the hydropower sector across diverse regions.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2B enterprises. Figures are based on the value of electricity production in the energy market.

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as annual reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, national statistical offices, international institutions, and the experience of our analysts.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting electricity generation due to the non-linear growth of this market, especially because of the direct impact of climate change on the market.

Additional notes:

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.