The forgotten giant of electricity

About this episode

This episode discusses the significant yet often overlooked role of hydropower in global electricity generation and its potential benefits.

Hydropower is the third largest source of power generation globally, producing roughly as much electricity as solar and wind combined. Yet despite its huge role in electricity systems around the world, it is often left out of conversations on energy. In this episode, IEA renewable energy analyst Yasmina Abdelilah explains how the role of hydropower in electricity systems has evolved in recent decades. With electricity demand surging around the world, she highlights the benefits hydropower could deliver across both advanced and emerging economies and discusses what is needed to overcome key barriers.

People in this episode

Guest: Yasmina Abdelilah

Topics covered

• hydropower
• electricity generation
• renewable energy
• energy systems
• global energy demand

Keywords

• hydropower
• electricity
• renewable energy
• solar
• wind
• energy systems
• global demand

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: International Energy Agency

Products: hydropower, solar, wind

More episodes of Everything Energy

• How the energy crisis is reshaping investment · June 4, 2026 · 20 min
• The relationship between energy and AI is evolving rapidly · May 7, 2026 · 29 min
• Critical minerals and energy security · April 24, 2026 · 23 min
• The mounting disruptions in oil markets · April 17, 2026 · 19 min
• Feeling the effects of the energy crisis · April 2, 2026 · 16 min
• 10 ways to ease oil price pressures on consumers · March 26, 2026 · 19 min