The Importance of Hydropower in the Energy Mix

Hydropower plays a significant role in the U.S. energy landscape, providing about 6.2% of total electricity generation. It consists of 80 gigawatts of traditional hydropower and 22 gigawatts of pumped storage, which is crucial for long-duration energy storage. While it doesn't dominate the energy mix like solar or wind, it is vital for grid reliability, helping to ensure that users can consistently access electricity despite fluctuations in renewable energy output. The need for clean firm generation sources, which hydropower exemplifies, is growing as the country transitions toward a cleaner energy future.