ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the significance of water power as the largest contributor of renewable energy for electricity generation in Asia. This is a continent with massive hydropower resources, which has seen large growth in power generation over the last 20 years. However, there is a big variation in the development of this industry across the continent from a country such as Nepal where 97% of economic potential is still untapped, to Japan where over 70% of potential has already been developed. Whereas hydropower is renewable and contributes to low-carbon energy, it sometimes comes at the cost of social and environmental disruption. Current concerns and developments are considered, with examples from around the continent.
In relation to its contribution to low-carbon energy, one important aspect is the ability to store water and generate power on demand, particularly through the use of pumped storage projects. These complement the intermittent resources of solar and wind and enable higher penetration of renewable-based electricity in the grid. A review of new developments in this technology is included in the chapter. Finally, the chapter looks at the contribution that small and micro-hydro power can make to rural development and to meeting the needs of those beyond the reach of grid electricity. This is particularly relevant to the Asian continent.
