Hydropower offsets the emissions of non-renewable energy sources (such as coal and natural gas), thus reducing our contribution to global climate change.
- Hydropower is the most important source of renewable energy in the world.
- Hydropower is a consistent, reliable and renewable source of clean power.
- More than 150 countries around the world generate hydropower.
- Nearly 20% of the world’s electricity is produced by hydropower.
- Hydropower is the most important source of electricity in Canada.
- Over 60% of the electricity produced in Canada comes from the power of water.
- Canada is the world’s second largest producer of hydropower generating 350 terawatts/year.
- British Columbia’s Independent Power Producers (IPPs) generate 5,000 gigawatts of electricity per year – enough to supply 500,000 homes.
- Hydropower is one of the electricity sources that generate the fewest greenhouse gases, i.e. 60 times less than coal-fired power plants and 18 times less than natural gas power plants.