government: national, regional, and/or local. The need for coordination, along with extensive study requirements and stakeholder consultations, result in multiyear hydropower authorization processes. Figure 21 summarizes information about...
AI summary The global hydropower permitting process varies significantly by region and project size, with larger projects requiring multiyear authorization due to complex studies and stakeholder consultations. Examples include Canada (3.3–5–6 years), Norway (1–2 vs. 4+ years), and the U.S. (median 3.34 years). Uncertainty and cost are higher in countries like Portugal and Spain, while small projects dominate in the UK and Germany.