| In Western Europe the scope for additional hydropower is limited, as the most economical sites have already been developed, and further expansion is hindered by environmental concerns. The EU only supports small-hydro, as large hydropower is regarded as being economical and a mature technology, that should not receive market-affecting subsidies.
Countries with large amounts of hydro generation are Norway, France, Sweden, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain. Power generation and distribution is more and more liberalized.
Approximately 20 % of all energy produced in Western Europe is generated from hydro power.
Voith Siemens Hydro has installed approximately 4,000 units with a total capacity of around 45,000 GW.
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