From International Energy Agency recent studies, hydropower capacity doubling to 2000 GW by 2050 and, whilst the opportunities are great, development of hydropower is undoubtedly posed with complex challenges and risks.

Nature’s increasing unpredictability presents unique challenges in generating renewable energy, profitably. The effects of climate change are already evident in most parts of the world and climate models are predicting even more pronounced changes for the remainder of the 21st century. With climate change affecting all parts of the water cycle, it must be a fundamental consideration in modern water resources planning, and a vital component of hydropower design.

In hydropower projects one of the key point for investors is to quantify estimates and changes in climatic conditions and as a result suffer from either over or under design due to wrong hydrological estimates. These miscalculations can result in the difference between the ultimate success or failure of a hydropower project. What can initially seem like a sound project can turn to disaster if the predicted water supply is not maintained.