Hydroelectricity
67% of total clean energy generation
Australia’s 124 operating hydro power stations produced enough electricity in the past year to power the equivalent of almost 2.8 million average homes. The estimated 19,685 GWh of power was 6.5 per cent of all electricity produced in Australia during this period.
Increased rain in key catchment areas reinvigorated the nation’s hydro electricity generation sector and provided approximately two thirds of the renewable energy produced over the 12 months to 30 September 2011.
Most of Australia’s suitable hydro electricity resources have already been developed. Work undertaken by hydro operators is generally in developing mini hydro power plants or in upgrading and refurbishing existing hydro power stations. The iconic Snowy River Hydro-electric Scheme and Tasmania’s network of 27 hydro-electric projects provide the majority of the country’s hydro power.
