Third Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: The United States
The third largest hydroelectric power-producing country is The United states. The most exploited river in the United States for hydroelectric power generation is Columbia River basin.
- Every year this country produces around 373 billion kWh through hydroelectric power plants which produces 30% of total renewable energy in the country. Around 40 pumped-storage hydropower plants and 1,450 conventional are there in USA.
- The largest dam in USA is the Grand Coulee Dam which has the production capacity of 6.5 gigawatts approximately. It is functional since 1942 and produces enough electricity for 2 million household with electricity for one year.
- Hydroelectric power plants in the United states provide major part of electricity consumed by the country but it also has some negative effect on the nature. For example
- Increase in the death of water species from 5% to 10%
- Material decay in the reservoir increase the amount of carbon dioxide in water.
- Increase the sedimentary level causing degradation of water quality
List of Top 10 Hydroelectric Power-Producing Countries
Top 10 Hydroelectric Power-Producing Countries: The world’s top 10 Hydroelectric power-producing countries are China, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Russia, India, Norway, Venezuela, Sweden, and Japan. Around 60% of the hydroelectric power in the world is generated by these countries.
Every country is shifting toward renewable energy sources and Hydro-power is one of them. Due to climate change and the degradation of natural resources, energy through fossil fuels and other non-renewable sources is avoided. Therefore, by using water bodies, especially rivers, electricity is generated. Although, this source is renewable and less damaging to the atmosphere it adversely affects the aquatic ecosystem.
In this article, we will discuss the list of the top 10 hydroelectric power-generating countries in the world, the famous dams in these countries, and the economic and ecological impact.
Table of Content
- About Hydroelectric Power Generation
- List of Top 10 Hydroelectric Power-Producing Countries Globally
- 1. Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: China
- 2. Second Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: Brazil
- 3. Third Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: The United States
- 4. Fourth Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: Canada
- 5. Fifth Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: Russia
- 6. Sixth Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: India
- 7. Seventh Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: Norway
- 8. Eighth Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: Venezuela
- 9. Ninth Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: Sweden
- 10. Tenth Largest Hydroelectric Power-Producing Country: Japan