Asia dominates global hydropower production, with China leading as the world's largest producer with an installed capacity of over 370 GW. The region represents approximately 42% of the world's total installed hydropower capacity, with several landmark projects defining its leadership position.

ASEAN countries possess significant untapped potential, with Indonesia having an estimated 75,000 MW of hydropower capacity and Malaysia developing approximately 29,000 MW. The region's mountainous terrain and abundant water resources continue to drive investment in both large-scale dams and smaller distributed projects.

Africa added more than 4.5 GW of new hydropower capacity in 2024, up from 2 GW in 2023, with hydropower now accounting for 20% of the continent's total electricity generation. This growth represents a doubling of development compared to the preceding three years, signaling accelerating investment in the sector.

Despite significant progress, Africa has harnessed only 11% of its technical hydropower potential, representing one of the most substantial development opportunities globally. Financing remains the sector's most pressing constraint, with an estimated 62.5 GW of approved projects stalled due to funding limitations.

Europe reached a record installed hydropower capacity of 259 GW in 2023, producing approximately 819.85 terawatt-hours annually, accounting for about 16.5% of the continent's total power production. Norway stands out with 117 operational facilities and the highest consumption of hydroelectricity in Europe.

Pumped storage capacity has declined to 54.17 GW in 2023 from a high of 57.46 GW in 2018, highlighting the need for infrastructure modernization. The industry's turnover has decreased from 12.25 billion euros in 2018 to 7.5 billion euros in 2022, reflecting changing market dynamics.

North America's hydropower sector is characterized by large-scale projects and an increasing focus on modernization. The United States generates 6-9% of its electricity from hydropower, depending on water availability, with the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State being the largest producer at 6.8 GW.

The inventory of U.S. hydroelectric plants consists mainly of three types: conventional dammed reservoirs, run-of-river facilities without reservoirs, and pumped storage plants that function as energy storage. A substantial portion of power imported to the United States from Canada is hydroelectric, particularly from Québec and Ontario serving Northeastern markets.

Hydropower stands as a cornerstone of South America's energy infrastructure, contributing approximately 45% of the region's electricity supply. Total hydropower generation reached 728 TWh in 2023, marking an increase of around 16 TWh from 2022.

The region faces challenges related to climate variability, with Uruguay experiencing its worst drought in over 70 years and Brazil's 3,568 MW Santo Antônio plant temporarily halting operations due to low water levels. Modernization of ageing infrastructure is a growing priority, with more than 50% of installed capacity over 30 years old.

Oceania's hydropower sector, while smaller in global terms, plays a critical role in regional energy security. New Zealand relies heavily on hydropower, with facilities like the Manapouri Power Station contributing significantly to the national grid.

Historical projects like Tasmania's Duck Reach Power Station, built in 1895, highlight the region's long history with hydroelectric power. The station was among the earliest in the world to supply power to a city and has since been converted into a museum showcasing hydropower history.