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Brussels, |
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Hydropower
Hydropower is derived from flowing water that powers a turbine. It is one of the oldest sources of renewable energy, having been used already in pre-industrial times, for instance, in watermills.
As the second largest renewable electricity source, hydropower continues to be an important energy source today. According to Eurostat, in 2024 it accounted for 29.9% of the EU’s total electricity generated from renewables.
Besides providing large volumes of renewable electricity, hydropower can also deliver services to Europe’s electricity system, such as flexibility and energy storage, which help maintain system stability and integrate growing shares of variable renewable energy (e.g., solar and wind).
Environmental impact
Several pieces of EU legislation address hydropower’s environmental impacts, including changes that can affect wildlife and river morphology and can fragment river systems. Key among them are:
As the second largest renewable electricity source, hydropower continues to be an important energy source today. According to Eurostat, in 2024 it accounted for 29.9% of the EU’s total electricity generated from renewables.
Besides providing large volumes of renewable electricity, hydropower can also deliver services to Europe’s electricity system, such as flexibility and energy storage, which help maintain system stability and integrate growing shares of variable renewable energy (e.g., solar and wind).
Environmental impact
Several pieces of EU legislation address hydropower’s environmental impacts, including changes that can affect wildlife and river morphology and can fragment river systems. Key among them are:
- The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)
- Obligations for environmental impact assessments (EIA requirements)
