Hydroelectric power generation in the U.S. 2023

Between 2000 and 2023, the net generation of conventional hydroelectric power in the United States exhibited significant variability. In 2023 the country generated approximately 239.86 terawatt hours (TWh) of hydroelectric power, a decrease from 254.79 TWh in 2022.Future projectionsThe highest generation in this period was recorded in 2011, with 319.4 TWh, reflecting the dependence of hydroelectric power on natural water cycles, meteorological patterns, and political influences. Hydroelectric capacity in the U.S. peaked at 103.4 gigawatts (GW) in 2023. Although continuous growth in capacity is expected, projected hydro capacity additions remain modest, with only slight increases anticipated up to 2050. Nevertheless, this commitment to maintaining and expanding hydroelectric capacity reflects its ongoing importance in the national energy portfolio.Regional focusHydropower consumption in the U.S. has fluctuated in recent years, reaching 818 quadrillion British thermal units (BTUs) in 2023. In 2022, the sector saw significant job growth of over 1,000 new positions compared to the previous year, with the number of employees rising to 7,930. Washington and California led U.S. hydroelectric production, with Washington producing over 60 TWh and California producing nearly 32 TWh in 2023. These states' contributions underscore the strategic importance of regional resources.

自2000年至2023年期间，美国传统水力发电的净增产量呈现出显著的波动性。2023年，该国水力发电量约为239.86太瓦时（TWh），较2022年的254.79 TWh有所下降。对未来预测的展望，该时期内的最高发电量出现在2011年，达到319.4 TWh，这一现象反映了水力发电对自然水循环、气象模式及政治影响的依赖性。2023年，美国的水力发电容量达到峰值，为103.4吉瓦（GW）。尽管预计容量将持续增长，但预测的水力发电新增容量仍相对有限，预计到2050年将仅有微小的增长。然而，维持并扩大水力发电容量的承诺，凸显了其在国家能源组合中持续的重要性。在区域焦点方面，近年来美国的水力发电消费量波动不定，2023年达到818千兆英热单位（BTUs）。2022年，该行业相比前一年实现了显著的就业增长，新增职位超过1000个，员工总数增至7930人。华盛顿州和加利福尼亚州在美国水力发电生产中占据领先地位，2023年，华盛顿州发电量超过60 TWh，加利福尼亚州发电量接近32 TWh。这些州的贡献凸显了区域资源在战略上的重要性。