Load factor of electricity from hydropower in the United Kingdom (UK) 2010-2022
Role of hydropower in the energy mix
In 2022, hydropower accounted for approximately four percent of renewable electricity generation in the UK, generating 5,640 gigawatt-hours of electricity. Most of this was produced by large scale hydro. However, generation from small scale hydro has increased significantly since 2010.
Scottish hydropower
With its high levels of rainfall, mountains and lakes, Scotland unsurprisingly accounts for more than 80 percent of the hydroelectric resources in the UK. The cumulative capacity of hydropower in Scotland reached 1,668 megawatts in 2022. In comparison, the installed capacity in England was just 43 megawatts in the same year.