I think its not built as much because solar/wind are simpler & cheaper. Hydro needs the right elevation/water flow/geography. Its disruptive to ecosystems & human habitation & it has huge up-front costs. Yes, its great sometimes, but maybe not as often as we might think.
There’s also the problem that all of the best spots for hydro have already been dammed. The spots that remain are much more marginal, and with other water issues getting worse worldwide hydroelectricity is in competition with other forms of water use.
I think its not built as much because solar/wind are simpler & cheaper. Hydro needs the right elevation/water flow/geography. Its disruptive to ecosystems & human habitation & it has huge up-front costs. Yes, its great sometimes, but maybe not as often as we might think.
There’s also the problem that all of the best spots for hydro have already been dammed. The spots that remain are much more marginal, and with other water issues getting worse worldwide hydroelectricity is in competition with other forms of water use.