SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This chapter explores hydropower development at the global level and its role regarding climate change. Hydropower is generally considered a renewable and clean energy source. It represents one of the main energy sources for sustainable energy transitions to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. However, an increasing body of literature has shown that large hydropower dams with reservoirs can also be contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. Hydropower is also highly vulnerable to climatic changes, therefore its future ability to produce electricity is uncertain, especially in regions highly exposed to rainfall variability, drought, temperature variation and extreme weather events. This chapter examines the impacts of climate change on hydropower production; analyses the contribution of hydropower to mitigate climate change and discusses renewable energy transitions from a sustainable development perspective, including environmental and social aspects.