Post by Voith Hydro

The 2026 World Hydropower Outlook by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) is now available. It clearly shows how hydropower is evolving from a traditional energy source to a strategic pillar of the energy transition. Hydropower remains the world’s largest source of renewable electricity, with global capacity reaching 1,469 GW at the end of 2025. At the same time, the role of pumped storage is accelerating rapidly, now exceeding 200 GW globally, with significant additional capacity under construction. A few key takeaways from this year’s Outlook: 💧 Hydropower is moving to the centre of global energy security strategies, supporting grid stability and resilience 💧 The global project pipeline has reached 1,127 GW, including a strong focus on pumped storage 💧 Rising demand from electrification, industry and digital infrastructure is increasing the need for firm, renewable power 💧 Governments are placing greater emphasis on flexibility and long-duration storage as renewables expand What stands out is the shift in perception: hydropower is no longer just about generation — it is about enabling the entire energy system. 👉 Worth a closer look: https://lnkd.in/ez8khdCh