Hydro Turbine Generator Unit Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Small Hydro(1-50MW), Medium Hydro(50-100MW), and Large Hydro(Above 100MW)), By Application (Impulse Turbines, and Reaction Turbines), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2034

• 

  Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

HYDRO TURBINE GENERATOR UNIT MARKET OVERVIEW

The global hydro turbine generator unit market size is estimated at USD 11.05 billion in 2025, set to expand to USD 24.52 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.26% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

The United States Hydro Turbine Generator Unit market size is projected at USD 3.84 billion in 2025, the Europe Hydro Turbine Generator Unit market size is projected at USD 3.44 billion in 2025, and the China Hydro Turbine Generator Unit market size is projected at USD 2.13 billion in 2025.

An integral element within a hydroelectric power generation system, the hydro turbine generator unit assumes a pivotal role in transforming the kinetic energy derived from moving water into electrical energy. At its core, the hydro turbine stands as the principal mechanical component, facilitating the conversion of the water's kinetic energy into rotational mechanical energy.

Diverse turbine types, such as Francis, Kaplan, Pelton, and Crossflow, cater to specific hydrological conditions. Responsible for converting mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy, the generator, typically a synchronous generator, stands as the predominant choice in hydroelectric power plant installations.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Increased Emphasis on Renewable Energy among Population to Fuel Market Growth

Amid the pandemic, there has been a heightened global emphasis on sustainable and clean energy sources. Governments and industries alike have exhibited growing interest in hydropower as a dependable and renewable energy alternative.

Global supply chain disruptions induced by the pandemic have impacted the production and transportation of components for hydro turbine generator units. These disruptions in the supply chain have the potential to impede project schedules and escalate costs.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing Focus on Small-Scale Hydropower, Advancements in Turbine Technology to Drive Market Growth

Small-scale hydropower initiatives offer the chance for decentralized energy production. This entails generating power in close proximity to the point of consumption, diminishing the necessity for extensive transmission infrastructure and enhancing energy delivery efficiency. Specifically tailored for supplying electricity to remote or off-grid regions lacking access to centralized power grids, these projects provide a dependable and sustainable energy source to communities that face challenges in connecting to larger power systems. Continuous research and development endeavors are focused on enhancing the efficiency and performance of hydro turbines. Innovations in the design of turbines, materials, and control systems are geared towards improving overall reliability and optimizing energy conversion.

• According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), over 1.2 GW of small and micro hydro capacity (under 10 MW) was installed worldwide in 2023, driving increased demand for compact hydro turbine generator units suited for decentralized grids.

• As reported by the China Hydraulic Engineering Society, more than 850 hydro turbine generator units installed in 2022–2023 were integrated with IoT-based sensors and real-time monitoring tools to optimize operational efficiency and predictive maintenance.

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

HYDRO TURBINE GENERATOR UNIT MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the global hydro turbine generator unit market can be categorized into Small Hydro(1-50MW), Medium Hydro(50-100MW), and  Large Hydro(Above 100MW).  

• Small Hydro(1-50MW): Small hydro turbine generator units, ranging from 1 to 50 megawatts in capacity, are specifically engineered for localized energy generation. These systems are particularly fitting for decentralized purposes, such as supplying power to rural communities or catering to industries with modest energy requirements.

• Medium Hydro(50-100MW): Medium hydro turbine generator units, falling within the 50 to 100 megawatts capacity range, find a harmonious equilibrium between scale and power generation. These systems possess the capability to provide electricity to larger grids or industrial complexes with more substantial energy demands.

• Large Hydro(Above 100MW): Large hydro turbine generator units, exceeding a capacity of 100 megawatts, are designed for significant energy infrastructure projects. These initiatives typically involve considerable water impoundment, commonly in the configuration of dams, and employ turbines like Francis or Pelton to capture and transform the abundant water resources into electrical power.

By Application

Based on application the global hydro turbine generator unit market can be categorized into Impulse Turbines, and Reaction Turbines.

• Impulse Turbines: Impulse turbines, constituting a category of hydro turbine generator units, are crafted to capture the kinetic energy of water. The turbine blades undergo rapid rotation as water jets are precisely directed at them. This design proves effective in scenarios characterized by high head and low flow conditions.

• Reaction Turbines: Reaction turbines form an additional subset of hydro turbine generator units, functioning through the combined utilization of kinetic and pressure energy from water. As water cascades over the turbine blades, it applies pressure, inducing rotational movement. Prominent instances of reaction turbines encompass Francis and Kaplan turbines.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Demand for Renewable Energy to Boost the Market

The rising global focus on sustainable and clean energy sources, propelled by environmental concerns and climate change, propels the hydro turbine generator unit market growth of hydro turbine generator units as a dependable choice for renewable energy.

Government Initiatives and Incentives to Expand the Market

Government policies that offer support, incentives, and subsidies for the advancement of hydroelectric projects stimulate investments in hydro turbine generator units. Across the globe, numerous governments actively advocate for the expansion of hydropower to meet their renewable energy objectives.

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), over $560 million in federal funding was allocated to hydro modernization projects in 2023, leading to upgrades in more than 110 hydroelectric facilities with new turbine-generator units.

• Based on data from the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), over 500 remote villages were electrified through small-scale hydro systems using turbine generator units in 2022–2023, contributing to off-grid rural development.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Environmental Concerns and Regulations to Potentially Impede Market Growth

Rigorous environmental regulations and apprehensions regarding the ecological consequences of expansive hydroelectric ventures can hinder the progress of hydro turbine generator units, especially in areas with environmental sensitivities.

• As per the European Environment Agency (EEA), over 62% of new hydro projects faced approval delays in 2023 due to concerns over aquatic habitat disruption, water flow alteration, and sediment retention caused by turbine installations.

• According to the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, civil works and infrastructure account for up to 55% of the total cost of hydro turbine generator unit projects, making them less economically viable in low-demand or temporary regions.

• Request a Free sample to learn more about this report

•  

HYDRO TURBINE GENERATOR UNIT MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America Region Dominating the Market is driven by the emphasis on renewable energy

The growth of the hydro turbine generator unit market is propelled by strict environmental regulations and an emphasis on renewable energy. In areas with ample water resources, like the Pacific Northwest, ongoing exploration and investment in hydroelectric projects contribute to hydro turbine generator unit market share expansion. Continuous research and technological advancements in turbine design play a key role in modernizing existing hydropower infrastructure.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market through associated technologies

Numerous prominent players are active in the hydro turbine generator unit market. General Electric, a multinational conglomerate with a substantial footprint in the power generation sector, offers hydro turbine generator units along with associated technologies.

• The Voith Group: As reported by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), Voith supplied over 150 hydro turbine generator units in 2023 across Asia, Africa, and South America, totaling an installed capacity exceeding 3,500 MW.

• Harbin Electric International Company Limited: According to the China Electricity Council, Harbin Electric delivered over 210 hydro turbine generators between 2022 and 2023, supporting national grid expansion and refurbishment projects with a combined capacity of over 4,100 MW.

List of Top Hydro Turbine Generator Unit Companies

• The Voith Group
• Harbin Electric International Company Limited
• Power Machines
• Andritz AG
• Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd.
• Zhefu Holding Group Co., Ltd.
• Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation
• Hitachi Mitsubishi Hydro Corporation
• Litostroj Power
• WWS Wasserkraft GmbH
• Dongfeng Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.
• Kirloskar Brothers Limited
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
• IMPSA
• FLOVEL Energy Private Limited
• General Electric

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

November 2023: The development of hydroelectric projects is being shaped by environmental regulations and apprehensions regarding the impact of energy production on ecosystems and local communities. Adherence to these regulations may impact the feasibility of projects and influence the selection of turbine technology.

REPORT COVERAGE

The future demand for hydro turbine generator unit market is covered in this study. The Research report includes the Increased Emphasis on Renewable Energy due to the Covid-19 Impact. The report covers the latest trends in Increasing Focus on Small-Scale Hydropower. The paper includes a segmentation of the hydro turbine generator unit market. The research paper includes the driving factors that are Growing Demand for Renewable Energy to Fuel Market Growth. The report also covers information on Regional Insights where the region which has emerged leading market for hydro turbine generator unit.