In 2023, Europe experienced about seven percent more rainfall than average during the world’s hottest year on record. This wetter climate benefited hydropower in some areas, with above-average potential for run-of-river generation reported by Copernicus.
However, experts say the impact on hydropower varies. Climate scientists predict more extreme precipitation across most of Europe, with wetter northern winters and drier Mediterranean summers. This mixed trend was evident last year, with parts of southern Europe drier than average. Both droughts and floods pose challenges for run-of-river hydropower, which requires moderate river flow to be effective.
Copernicus Climate Change Service scientist Shaun Harrigan suggests that moderate increases in river flow could enhance hydropower potential, particularly in northwest Europe where climate variability is more favorable.
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