Hydroelectricity at the crossroad: let us give a new momentum to the first renewable energy. White paper on hydroelectricity

This publication first indicates some data which illustrate the role, importance and development perspectives of hydroelectricity in terms of energy production and in terms of jobs. It outlines that, due to its high adaptation capacity and flexibility, hydroelectricity is an important factor for territory development, that it has a major role in energy supply safety, in the energy mix, and in decentralised energy production. It proposes an overview of the different types of hydroelectric installations: reservoirs for a flexible production and supply safety, run of river hydro systems for a continuous and renewable energy production, pumped storage power stations for mass storage of electric energy. It proposes an overview of assets of hydroelectric energy: implementation of energy transition on the long term, development of an industrial sector of excellence, a responsible and supportive energy, compatibility between hydroelectricity, biodiversity and water usages. Proposals are then formulated to give electricity a new momentum: a new orientation of national and European policies for a better global consistency, a new orientation of economic choices and tax policy as incentives to maintenance and development of the hydroelectric sector, and a fair compensation of services provided to the electric power system