The article is devoted to the analysis of the development of hydropower in the Russian Federation for the period 2010–2024, including an assessment of its role in the country's energy balance, regional characteristics, investment dynamics, and Russia's international position. Based on data from strategic documents of the Russian Federation, industry statistics, and reports from PJSC RusHydro, the authors examine the key trends that have emerged: a slight decrease in the share of hydroelectric power plants in the overall structure of installed capacity, a steady increase in electricity generation, and concentration of capacity primarily in Siberia and the Far East. Significant regional imba‑ lances are identified. The largest capacity increases are observed in the integrated energy systems of the Russian East, South, and Siberia, while stagnation is observed in Central Russia. The article emphasizes that in a number of regions of the North Caucasus, hydropower almost completely meets local electricity needs. A comparison is made with the world leader, China, which has accounted for more than half of the global increase in hydroelectric capacity over the past 25 years. It is noted that funding for investment projects in the Russian hydropower sector has fallen almost in half, creating serious constraints on the industry's development. The scientific novelty of the article lies in identifying the current balance of development factors and proposing structured measures to strengthen them, grouped by financial, investment, technological, regional, and infrastructural areas. In conclusion, the authors note that Russia's strategic priorities have shifted toward developing the hydroelectric potential of its eastern territories and ensuring energy security, while decarbonization remains the global driver.