Water and energy are two of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, both central to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While hydropower is typically classified under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), its contribution to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) is equally significant. Hydropower is not only the world’s largest source of renewable electricity but also a critical enabler of water storage, irrigation, flood control, and reliable municipal supply. Globally, hydropower accounts for about 16% of electricity generation and 60% of all renewable power (International Energy Agency, 2023). At the same time, the infrastructure it creates—reservoirs, dams, and pumped storage systems—underpins human access to clean water. This article examines hydropower’s market dynamics and its unique role in advancing SDG 6. Drawing on global data, regional patterns, company strategies, and policy trends, it argues that hydropower represents both a market growth opportunity and a developmental necessity in ensuring universal access to safe water and sanitation. The Hydropower Market Landscape As of 2022, global installed hydropower capacity reached 1,400 gigawatts (GW), making it the single largest renewable source of energy (IRENA, 2023). Unlike wind and solar, which are intermittent, hydropower provides reliable baseload power and grid balancing through storage reservoirs and pumped storage facilities. Its dual role as an energy generator and a water manager makes it unique among renewables. Regional dynamics highlight a differentiated growth story: Asia-Pacific dominates, led by China, which has over 390 GW of installed capacity, including the world’s largest dam, the Three […]