While many of the governments have goals to increase the development of renewable sources of energy; coal, natural gas, and hydroelectric plants are expected to provide the majority of electricity supply in 2013.

The dependency of thermal and hydroelectric power plants on water for cooling and generation creates water-related risks for the sector.

Hydroelectric plants are dependent on water for generation as maintenance of water reservoir or river levels is necessary for full capacity generation. Thermoelectric plants, including coal, natural gas, biomass, and nuclear, require varying amounts of water for steam, cooling, and other process uses. Fuel type, cooling system technology, and capacity are the greatest determinants of water use. Wind and solar photovoltaic power require very little water.