As the second largest renewable electricity source, hydropower continues to play a significant role today. According to Eurostat, in 2024 it accounted for 29.9% of the EU’s total electricity generated from renewables.
In addition to generating significant renewable electricity, hydropower technology can provide key services to Europe’s electricity system, such as flexibility and energy storage. These services help maintain the stability of the electricity system and support the integration of a growing share of variable renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, into the energy system.
The 'People with energy' series, launched by the Commission in July 2022, presents René Ostermann, a hydropower plant technician in Austria, who shares his experience and insights about the sector in his video testimonial.
Technology and competitiveness
Hydropower is a flagship of renewable energy in the EU. Much of the EU’s hydropower fleet is “made in Europe” and builds on more than a century of expertise.
According to the Clean Energy Technology Observatory report 2025 on hydropower, European hydropower companies hold the largest share of global exports and account for a leading share of high-value inventions among the world’s top companies in the sector.
Environmental impact
There are several pieces of EU legislation that address the environmental impacts of hydropower, such as its effects on wildlife, river morphology, and the fragmentation of river systems. Key examples include the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and obligations for environmental impact assessments.
Related links
- Amending Renewable Energy Directive (EU/2023/2413)
- Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001/EU)
- Video: People with energy - Hydropower station in Austria
- CETO report: Status report on technology development, trends, value chains and markets 2025
- The Clean Energy Technology Observatory
- ETIP Hydropower
- Hydropower Europe
- International Renewable Energy Agency - IRENA