Drought

Hydrological drought

Hydrological drought occurs when reduced rainfall leads to shortfalls of surface or ground water availability. While not damaging infrastructure, it can stress the availability of water for domestic, industrial, agricultural, transport and power generation, disrupting essential services and generating major economic losses. Hydropower plants require a consistent supply of water to generate electricity. Water stress may reduce output, leading to power shortages and increased reliance on other energy sources such as fossil fuels. 

Climate change may significantly modify the AAL of hydropower generation in countries where it represents the primary energy source under a lower and upper scenario of climate change. Estimates indicate that in countries like Afghanistan, Lesotho, Costa Rica, the AAL increases dramatically, under the upper scenario. In Lesotho, for example, the relative AAL would increase from 12.8 to 34.8 % of the annual hydropower production and in Costa Rica from 6.8% to 32.4%. in contrast, Paraguay would see a reduction from 4.0% to 1.5% and Norway from 1.7% to 0.4%.

More detailed information: 
Global Drought impact on Hydropower, Water Use and Fluvial Navigation (2023)
Camalleri, C., Naumann, G., Rossi, L., Ghizzoni, T., Isabellon, M., Campo, L., & Rudari, R.