Hydroelectricity
Global hydroelectric output grew by 1.6%, the weakest growth since 2003
Million tonnes oil equivalent
Global hydroelectric output grew by a below-average 1.6%. Strong growth in North America (+13.9%) was offset by drought-related declines in Europe & Eurasia and Asia Pacific
Heavy rainfall drove strong growth in North America (+13.9%) – with the US
recording the strongest increment on record – offsetting drought-related declines
in Europe and China.
Methodology
Data are based on gross primary hydroelectric generation and not accounting for cross border electricity supply.
The primary energy value of hydroelectricity generation has been derived by calculating the equivalent amount of fossil fuel required to generate the same volume of electricity in a thermal power station, assuming a conversion efficiency of 38% (the average for OECD thermal power generation).
In the hydroelectricity consumption table, the units are in million tonnes oil equivalent (mtoe). In addition the data are available in the Excel workbook in terawatt–hours (Twh).
Hydroelectricity consumption by region
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Statistical Review of World Energy 2012 survey
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