The global push to minimize the carbon footprint of the electricity generation industry has spurred the widespread acceptance of renewable energy sources, with small hydropower emerging as a prominent player in the market. Various policies, including subsidies, feed-in tariffs, power purchase agreements (PPA), and import/export tariff reductions, have been implemented to encourage the growth of the hydropower market. In 2019, hydropower accounted for the majority of renewable electricity generated worldwide, a trend expected to continue in the foreseeable future. The small hydropower segment has experienced steady growth over the past two decades, offering immense opportunities for key stakeholders.
Government Support and Awareness Essential for Small Hydropower Development
The hydropower market has witnessed unprecedented growth, driven by the demand in developing economies that have yet to fully exploit their hydropower resources. Small hydropower projects are supported by ambitious green recovery plans that require significant investments in green initiatives. The lower investment costs of smaller hydropower plants, especially for drinking or wastewater networks, make them an attractive option. It is projected that renewable energy should account for one-fifth of global energy generation by the end of this decade, with small hydropower poised to play a prominent role. Despite its appeal, the full potential of small hydropower remains untapped. While policies and optimization frameworks have been introduced to promote small hydropower, further efforts are needed to unlock its market potential.
Shifting Profitability from Europe to Africa in the Small Hydropower Market
In 2020, China, the US, Japan, Italy, Norway, and Turkey accounted for approximately three-fifths of the global small hydropower market. India surpassed Japan in 2019 to become the world's fifth-largest hydropower producer. Europe has witnessed significant small hydropower development, with the majority of its capacity already utilized. However, the market's profitability is shifting towards Africa, where untapped opportunities for small hydropower projects exist.
Customizability Makes Small Hydropower Ideal for Rural Off-the-grid Areas
Small hydropower plants, with their relatively lower power delivery capacity, are well-suited for meeting individual off-grid requirements. Off-grid small hydropower solutions have become crucial in expanding access to renewable energy in remote areas that lack connection to a central grid. Rural areas often face a lack of communication infrastructure and reliable lighting, and small hydropower can be customized to suit the needs of individual communities, making it highly desirable for infrastructure development.
Key Market Players
The small hydropower market report profiles several key companies, including Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, Velcan Energy, Marubeni Corporation, GE, Siemens AG, ANDRITZ, Toshiba Corporation, Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd, BHEL, and Natel Energy. In early 2021, Voith GmbH was awarded a contract to build a small hydropower plant in France, scheduled to be operational by 2024.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
- 1.1. Global Small Hydropower Market Snapshot
- 1.2. Key Market Trends
- 1.3. Future Projections
- 1.4. Analyst Recommendations
2. Market Overview
- 2.1. Market Definitions and Segmentations
- 2.2. Market Dynamics
- 2.2.1. Drivers
- 2.2.1.1. Driver A
- 2.2.1.2. Driver B
- 2.2.1.3. Driver C
- 2.2.2. Restraints
- 2.2.2.1. Restraint 1
- 2.2.2.2. Restraint 2
- 2.2.3. Market Opportunities Matrix
- 2.3. Value Chain Analysis
- 2.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 2.5. Covid-19 Impact Analysis
- 2.5.1. Pre-covid and Post-covid Scenario
- 2.5.2. Supply Impact
- 2.5.3. Demand Impact
- 2.6. Government Regulations
- 2.7. Technology Landscape
- 2.8. Economic Analysis
- 2.9. PESTLE
3. Cumulative Installed Capacity Trade Statistics, 2018 - 2022
- 3.1. Regional Statistics
- 3.1.1. North America
- 3.1.2. Europe
- 3.1.3. Asia Pacific
- 3.1.4. Latin America
- 3.1.5. Middle East & Africa
4. Price Trends Analysis and Future Projects, 2018 - 2030
- 4.1. Key Highlights
- 4.2. Prominent Factors Affecting Prices
5. Global Small Hydropower Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030
- 5.1. Global Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Installed Capacity, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 5.1.1. Key Highlights
- 5.1.1.1. Below 1 MW
- 5.1.1.2. 1-10 MW
- 5.2. Global Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Region, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 5.2.1. Key Highlights
- 5.2.1.1. North America
- 5.2.1.2. Europe
- 5.2.1.3. Asia Pacific
- 5.2.1.4. Latin America
- 5.2.1.5. Middle East & Africa
- 5.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
6. North America Small Hydropower Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030
- 6.1. North America Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Installed Capacity, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 6.1.1. Key Highlights
- 6.1.1.1. Below 1 MW
- 6.1.1.2. 1-10 MW
- 6.2. North America Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Country, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 6.2.1. Key Highlights
- 6.2.1.1. U.S.
- 6.2.1.2. Canada
- 6.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
7. Europe Small Hydropower Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030
- 7.1. Europe Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Installed Capacity, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 7.1.1. Key Highlights
- 7.1.1.1. Below 1 MW
- 7.1.1.2. 1-10 MW
- 7.2. Europe Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Country, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 7.2.1. Key Highlights
- 7.2.1.1. Germany
- 7.2.1.2. France
- 7.2.1.3. U.K.
- 7.2.1.4. Italy
- 7.2.1.5. Spain
- 7.2.1.6. Russia
- 7.2.1.7. Rest of Europe
- 7.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
8. Asia Pacific Small Hydropower Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030
- 8.1. Asia Pacific Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Installed Capacity, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 8.1.1. Key Highlights
- 8.1.1.1. Below 1 MW
- 8.1.1.2. 1-10 MW
- 8.2. Asia Pacific Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Country, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 8.2.1. Key Highlights
- 8.2.1.1. China
- 8.2.1.2. Japan
- 8.2.1.3. South Korea
- 8.2.1.4. India
- 8.2.1.5. Southeast Asia
- 8.2.1.6. Rest of Asia Pacific
- 8.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
9. Latin America Small Hydropower Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030
- 9.1. Latin America Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Installed Capacity, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 9.1.1. Key Highlights
- 9.1.1.1. Below 1 MW
- 9.1.1.2. 1-10 MW
- 9.2. Latin America Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Country, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 9.2.1. Key Highlights
- 9.2.1.1. Brazil
- 9.2.1.2. Mexico
- 9.2.1.3. Rest of Latin America
- 9.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
10. Middle East & Africa Small Hydropower Market Outlook, 2018 - 2030
- 10.1. Middle East & Africa Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Installed Capacity, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 10.1.1. Key Highlights
- 10.1.1.1. Below 1 MW
- 10.1.1.2. 1-10 MW
- 10.2. Middle East & Africa Small Hydropower Market Outlook, by Country, Volume (MW) and Value (US$ Mn), 2018 - 2030
- 10.2.1. Key Highlights
- 10.2.1.1. South Africa
- 10.2.1.2. Morocco
- 10.2.1.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 10.2.2. BPS Analysis/Market Attractiveness Analysis
11. Competitive Landscape
- 11.1. Company Market Share Analysis, 2022
- 11.2. Competitive Dashboard
- 11.3. Company Profiles
- 11.3.1. Siemens AG
- 11.3.1.1. Company Overview
- 11.3.1.2. Product Portfolio
- 11.3.1.3. Financial Overview
- 11.3.1.4. Business Strategies and Development
- 11.3.2. Innergex
- 11.3.3. Blue World Power Energy
- 11.3.4. Gravity Renewables
- 11.3.5. Pernix Group Inc.
- 11.3.6. Dulas Ltd.
- 11.3.7. Velcan Energy
- 11.3.8. SN Aboitiz Power Inc.
- 11.3.9. Voith Group
- 11.3.10. Mavel A.S.
- 11.3.11. RusHydro
- 11.3.12. Marubeni Corporation
- 11.3.13. PNOC Renewables Corporation
- 11.3.14. Statkraft
- 11.3.15. Him Urja Private Limited
- 11.3.16. Vindhyachal Hydro Power Pvt. Ltd.
12. Appendix
- 12.1. Research Methodology
- 12.2. Report Assumptions
- 12.3. Acronyms and Abbreviations