Review on climate change impacts on hydropower potentials: mitigation and adaptation strategies
Mohd Edzham Fareez Othman, Lariyah Mohd Sidek, Hidayah Basri, Ahmed El‐Shafie, Lloyd H.C. Chua, Ali Najah Ahmed
Abstract
Hydropower remains the most widely deployed renewable energy source and is central to global decarbonization strategies. Yet, its long-term reliability is increasingly constrained by climate change. This review synthesizes evidence across global, regional, and national scales to assess hydropower’s vulnerability to altered hydrological regimes, sedimentation, and extreme climate events, alongside potential mitigation and adaptation measures. On the global scale, findings reveal highly heterogeneous impacts: while some regions may benefit from increased precipitation, others face intensified droughts, streamflow reductions, and flood-related risks. Regional assessments of Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania highlight distinct challenges, including glacier retreat in the Alps, rainfall variability in sub-Saharan Africa, drought-induced flow declines in Brazil, and governance constraints in transboundary basins. Malaysia provides a focused case study where hydropower expansion through projects such as Baleh and Nenggiri intersects with climate variability, fossil fuel dependence, and policy ambitions. Hydrological modeling indicates both opportunities and risks, with rainfall gains offset by sedimentation and drought-driven reductions. Econometric and policy analyses show hydropower can moderate emissions but cannot achieve decarbonization in isolation. Strengthening forecasting systems, adaptive reservoir management, and diversified energy portfolios will be essential to align hydropower development with long-term energy security and climate goals. Future research should prioritize detailed regional hydro-climate modelling, integrated assessments, and adaptive financing approaches to ensure hydropower resilience under climate uncertainty.