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| The development of hydropower began 150 years ago. Yet, by 2003, hydropower contributed only 2.2% to the world's total supply of energy. This is only a portion of renewables' 13.3% share in global TPES. As an energy source for electricity generation, hydropower accounted for 16.0% of electricity output, or 88.8% of input from renewables. |
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| Currently, hydropower generates 17.0% to 20.0% of global total electricity production. This output comes from an installed capacity of about 720 GW worldwide. Canada, China, and Brazil formed the majority of global installed capacity. In terms of the intensity of use of hydropower, this renewable energy source supplies 95.0% of domestic electricity needs in both Norway and Paraguay). Of hydropower's contribution in global electricity generation, small hydropower (SHP)1 accounted for about 1.0-2.0%, comparable to the contribution rate of the other renewables. |
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| As at 2006, there are about 61 GW of installed capacity of SHPs globally. Asia has the largest installed capacity with 41.5 GW or 68.0% of the world's total. The second largest region is Europe with 13.6 GW installed capacity, an increase of about 16.0% from 11.7 GW in 2004. |
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| 1Defined as power output of less than 10MW |
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