As one of the most mature, reliable and cost-effective sources of generation, hydro power holds much promise for Southeast Asia and South Asia. As these regions move towards a post-Covid normality, hydro power will help kick-start recovery, becoming an important part of their future energy systems. The region has been working towards harnessing its vast untapped hydro potential and maximising the role of hydro power in balancing the growing variable solar and wind energy generation. In 2019, the Southeast Asian and South Asian regions added close to 1 GW of capacity each, taking their installed base to over 47 and 66 GW, respectively.
There has also been an increasing focus on developing pumped storage hydro projects. Their importance from a point of view of flexibility, frequency control, voltage regulation and black start capability was best demonstrated during the pandemic as these plants proved that they can help maintain grid stability and keep the lights on.
Southeast Asia Infra and Powerline magazines recently organized a virtual conference, Hydro Power Asia 2020 to provide insights into key trends and outlook for the hydro power segment in South and Southeast Asian regions as well as discuss the impact of Covid. Download the country presentations for India, Nepal and Thailand to learn about the progress and outlook for hydropower in these countries.
