Powering prosperity: hydropower as a catalyst for job creation

As countries accelerate the deployment of renewable energy to meet rising demand and strengthen energy security, attention is increasingly turning to the wider economic and social value of infrastructure investment. Hydropower stands out not only as a source of reliable, low-carbon electricity, but as a catalyst for long-term prosperity through supporting job creation, enabling industrial activity and driving development in regions where economic opportunities can be limited.

This session will explore how hydropower projects translate into real-world economic outcomes across their lifecycle, from construction through to operation and beyond. Drawing on data, case studies and forward-looking analysis, speakers will examine the sector’s contribution to employment, local supply chains, skills development and regional growth. The discussion will also consider how these benefits can be more effectively captured, measured and communicated, and what policy and investment frameworks are needed to maximise inclusive and sustainable development impacts.

By moving beyond a narrow focus on power generation and finance, the session will present hydropower as an engine of prosperity, demonstrating its role in supporting resilient economies and improving livelihoods at both local and national levels.

Session objectives

• Demonstrate how hydropower development drives job creation across construction, operations and supply chains.
• Explore the broader economic and social benefits of hydropower, including regional development and industrial growth.
• Examine how hydropower can support inclusive growth and livelihoods in underserved communities.
• Identify policies and investment frameworks that maximise local economic value and long-term development outcomes.
• Assess how the sector can better measure and communicate its socio-economic impact to stakeholders.
• Share practical examples and data illustrating hydropower’s role as a catalyst for prosperity.

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