Why Isn’t Hydropower Used More?

Written By Teacher: Meighan Hooper

Meighan has been an arts educator and instructional designer since 2007. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she began teaching internationally in the Middle East and Asia in 2013. Meighan has designed programs of study based on a variety of curriculum including Canadian, American standards-based, Primary Years Program (IB), and British National curriculum.

Hydropower is a powerful way to teach students about renewable energy, showing how flowing water generates electricity in a clean and reliable way. However, it’s important to highlight trade-offs, such as the large land requirements and potential impacts on river ecosystems. For high school students, the "Hydropower Reading Comprehension" dives into the benefits and challenges of hydropower. Younger students can explore renewable energy basics, including hydropower, with the "Renewable Energy Lesson Plan for K-2" through engaging, hands-on activities. These resources provide opportunities for critical thinking and meaningful classroom discussions about hydropower and its role in our energy future.

Written By: MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative

The MIT Climate Change Engagement Program, a part of MIT Climate HQ, provides the public with nonpartisan, easy-to-understand, and scientifically-grounded information on climate change and its solutions.

While wind and solar often dominate conversations about low-carbon electricity, hydropower provides much more electricity worldwide than any other low-carbon energy source—nearly eight times more than solar power and 1.5 times more than nuclear. And it’s one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy: according to the International Energy Agency, hydro saw more growth between 2008 and 2018 than any other source of renewable electricity other than wind power.

"If you look at some of the most dramatic proposals for a pathway to zero carbon electricity system, they all need to incorporate a significant build out of hydropower," says John Parsons, an energy economist with MIT's Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research.

However, large hydroelectric dams can’t be built just anywhere. Hydro plants need a consistent supply of water and a large amount of land. Some countries have plenty of these resources; others do not.