A synoptic history of the development, production and environmental oversight of hydropower in Brazil, Canada, and Norway

Sustainable global energy production is back-stopped by hydropower which is responsible for a significant share of the green energy produced worldwide. Hydropower, however, does not come without some environmental impacts but has worked to reduce those impacts. Here, we discuss the historical, legislative, and design configurations of hydropower facilities located in three of the world's most important producers: Brazil, Canada, and Norway. The background is intended to inform the collection of scientific papers from each country aimed at assessing and improving the sustainability of hydropower production that form the core of this special issue on sustainable hydropower. We review the development and key legislative history for hydropower in each country and point out the common backgrounds and interests each nation has in the continued sustainable development of its hydropower resources.

Automated summary

Sustainable global energy production heavily relies on hydropower, which contributes significantly to green energy production worldwide. Despite some environmental impacts, efforts have been made to mitigate them. Brazil, Canada, and Norway, as three major hydropower producers, share common concerns and interests in the continued sustainable development of hydropower resources.