Hydropower Generation Expected to Recover Despite Snow Drought in the West
Key Takeaway
The projected recovery in U.S. hydropower generation offers a more stable, low-carbon supply for developers and large consumers, but persistent climate impacts mean it remains below historical averages, necessitating continued strategic planning for resource diversification.
AI Summary
- •U.S. hydropower generation is projected to increase by 5% in 2026, reaching 245 billion kilowatthours (BkWh) in 2025 (4 BkWh above 2024's record low).
- •Despite this recovery, 2026 generation is expected to remain 1.8% below the 10-year average, indicating continued impact from snow drought conditions in some Western states.
- •For developers and large power consumers, this forecast suggests a more stable, yet still constrained, supply of low-carbon, dispatchable power in hydropower-reliant regions, which could influence PPA pricing and the demand for alternative generation capacity.
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Article Content
In our April Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), we expect U.S. hydropower generation will increase by 5% in 2026 but remain 1.8% below the 10-year average following snow drought conditions in some states. Hydropower generation in 2025 increased to 245 billion kilowatthours (BkWh), about 4 BkWh more than the record-low generation year 2024. ... [continued] The post Hydropower Generation Expected to Recover Despite Snow Drought in the West appeared first on CleanTechnica .