The Rise of Hydropower in Energy Transition.
Pumped storage, a hydropower technology that uses two reservoirs to store and generate electricity, is rapidly expanding globally, particularly in China, where it is seen as a flexible backup for wind and solar power. The technology is cheaper than other battery options and can store more energy. Run-of-river facilities, which generate power from seasonal water flows without creating large reservoirs, are also becoming prevalent in mountainous regions. Conventional dams are becoming less popular due to environmental disruption, water disputes, and methane emissions.