Hydropower is stepping into the spotlight as a key diversification tool for oil-heavy markets. Its ability to rapidly adjust output makes it a natural counterbalance to volatile fossil fuel prices. Historically the world's third-largest electricity source, hydropower has been eclipsed by solar and wind in recent policy discussions. Yet the International Energy Agency's latest report highlights its untapped potential, especially in emerging economies where 60% of hydro resources remain unused. In 2021, hydropower supplied 4,500 terawatt-hours, representing 14% of global electricity, roughly equal to the combined output of solar and wind. China alone accounts for 29% of installed capacity, while the United States, Brazil, and Canada follow. Pumped-storage hydro (PSH) currently provides about 200 GW worldwide, holding 90% of long-duration storage, and an additional 570 GW is slated for development. PSH can store 30 times more power than batteries. The first urban project announced by ORPC on the St Lawrence River in Montreal will deploy two devices with a 60-90 MW resource potential, using carbon-fibre turbines. Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of IEA, described hydropower as "the forgotten giant of electricity" and warned that it is often omitted from international energy discussions. The pumped-storage system has earned the nickname "water battery" for its ability to store excess renewable energy, holding 30 times more power than batteries. Industry analysts note that hydropower is "highly flexible", able to ramp up and down quickly to meet demand swings. With 570 GW of pumped-storage projects on the horizon and the U.S. pushing new urban hydro initiatives, the sector is poised to deliver both clean generation and grid-stabilizing storage, reducing oil dependence and enhancing resilience for drilling operations.