As the second largest renewable electricity source, hydropower continues to be an important energy source today. According to Eurostat, it accounted in 2020 for 33% of the EU’s renewable electricity production and provided 17% of EU’s electricity.
Besides providing a lot of renewable electricity, the hydropower technology can also deliver services to Europe’s electricity system, such as flexibility and storage, which are important to maintain the stability of the electricity system and integrate an ever-growing share of variable renewable energy production, for instance from solar and wind power, into the energy system.
Within the "People with energy" series, launched by the Commission in July 2022, Renè Ostermann, who works as a hydropower plant technician in Austria, shares his experience and insights about the sector in his video testimonial.
Environmental impact
There are several pieces of EU legislation that address the environmental impacts of hydropower, which include changes that can affect wildlife and the river morphology, causing a fragmentation of the river system. Key among them are the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and obligations for environmental impact assessments.
Documents
- Revised Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001/EU)
- Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC)
Related links
- Video: People with energy - Hydropower station in Austria
- Hydro power (DG Research and Innovation)
- Hydropower Europe
- International Renewable Energy Agency - IRENA