Key Insights
The European hydropower market, currently valued at approximately €[Estimate based on market size XX and value unit Million. For example, if XX were 100, the current market size would be €100 million. Adjust this placeholder accordingly.], is projected to experience robust growth over the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by a CAGR exceeding 1.00%. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing urgency to transition to renewable energy sources and meet ambitious climate targets across Europe is significantly boosting investment in hydropower projects. Secondly, technological advancements in hydropower technology, particularly in small-scale hydropower and pumped storage solutions, are enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact, making it a more attractive and sustainable energy option. Furthermore, supportive government policies, including subsidies and regulatory frameworks encouraging renewable energy adoption, are creating a favorable investment climate. Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom are expected to be leading contributors to the market's expansion, given their existing hydropower infrastructure and ongoing investments in modernization and expansion.
However, the market also faces certain restraints. Permitting processes for new hydropower projects can be lengthy and complex, potentially delaying project timelines and increasing costs. Concerns surrounding the environmental impact of large-scale hydropower projects, such as habitat disruption and impacts on river ecosystems, continue to pose challenges. Successfully navigating these regulatory and environmental hurdles will be crucial for sustained market growth. The market segmentation highlights the importance of various project types, with large hydropower projects likely maintaining a significant share, while small hydropower and pumped storage solutions are poised for considerable growth given their adaptability and potential to address specific energy demands in diverse geographical locations. Leading players such as Bechtel Corporation, EDF, Statkraft, Enel Green Power, and others will continue to shape the market landscape through their technological innovation, project development expertise, and strategic partnerships. The focus on sustainable and efficient hydropower solutions will be critical for capturing market share and contributing to Europe's renewable energy future.
Europe Hydropower Industry Market Report: 2019-2033
This comprehensive report delivers an in-depth analysis of the Europe hydropower industry, encompassing market dynamics, growth trends, key players, and future outlook. From large hydropower plants to small-scale installations and pumped storage solutions, this report provides crucial insights for industry professionals, investors, and policymakers. The study period covers 2019-2033, with a base year of 2025 and a forecast period extending to 2033. The report leverages extensive market research and data analysis to offer a detailed understanding of the current market landscape and project future developments.

Europe Hydropower Industry Market Dynamics & Structure
This section analyzes the competitive landscape of the European hydropower market, examining market concentration, technological advancements, regulatory environments, and market trends. The analysis incorporates both quantitative data (market share, M&A activity) and qualitative assessments (innovation barriers, regulatory hurdles).
Market Concentration: The European hydropower market exhibits a moderate level of concentration, with several large players like EDF, Statkraft AS, and Enel Green Power S.p.A holding significant market share. Smaller, regional players also contribute substantially, particularly in the small hydropower segment. We estimate the top 5 players hold approximately xx% of the market share in 2025.
Technological Innovation: Ongoing innovation focuses on improving turbine efficiency, enhancing grid integration capabilities, and developing smarter hydropower management systems. However, high upfront capital costs and long lead times for project development pose significant innovation barriers.
Regulatory Frameworks: Stringent environmental regulations and permitting processes can significantly impact project timelines and costs. However, supportive government policies promoting renewable energy are driving investments in hydropower. The recent French Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) approval of the Inini River project exemplifies this, albeit on a smaller scale.
Competitive Product Substitutes: Hydropower faces competition from other renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. However, hydropower's baseload capacity and reliability provide a competitive advantage in certain markets.
End-User Demographics: The primary end-users are electricity grid operators and industrial consumers. The growth in demand for renewable energy is driving increased end-user adoption.
M&A Trends: Consolidation in the hydropower sector is expected to continue, with larger companies acquiring smaller players to expand their market presence and gain access to new technologies or geographical areas. The number of M&A deals in the historical period (2019-2024) averaged approximately xx per year.
Europe Hydropower Industry Growth Trends & Insights
This section provides a detailed analysis of the European hydropower market's growth trajectory, covering market size evolution, adoption rates, technological disruptions, and shifting consumer behavior. The analysis leverages data from various sources to provide a comprehensive overview and forecasts future growth based on several key market factors and their expected changes. Market sizes are presented in millions of Euros.
The European hydropower market experienced [insert growth rate]% CAGR from 2019 to 2024, reaching a market size of €xx million in 2024. This growth is driven by increased demand for renewable energy, supportive government policies, and technological advancements. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, reaching €xx million by 2033, with a projected CAGR of [insert growth rate]% during the forecast period (2025-2033). Market penetration of renewable energy sources within the overall energy mix has consistently increased, further fueling the market's expansion. Several technological advancements, such as improved turbine technology and energy storage solutions, further augment the growth projections.

Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in Europe Hydropower Industry
This section identifies the leading regions, countries, and hydropower types within the European market, analyzing the factors driving their dominance.
Norway: Norway is currently a leading nation due to its extensive hydropower infrastructure and supportive regulatory environment. The abundance of natural resources, experienced workforce, and long history in hydropower development all contribute to its leading market position. Its market share is estimated at approximately xx% in 2025.
Austria: Austria also holds a significant position, owing to its mountainous terrain and well-established hydropower sector.
Large Hydropower: This segment holds the largest market share due to its established infrastructure and significant power generation capacity.
Pumped Storage: The pumped storage segment is experiencing rapid growth driven by the need for grid stabilization and energy storage solutions. The recently announced USD 607 million investment in the Cruachan Power Station underscores this growth potential.
Key Drivers: Government incentives for renewable energy, favorable environmental policies, and ongoing investments in grid modernization are key drivers of regional and segment dominance.
Europe Hydropower Industry Product Landscape
The European hydropower market is a dynamic landscape encompassing a wide array of products, including advanced turbines, high-efficiency generators, sophisticated control systems, and innovative grid integration technologies. Recent advancements focus on maximizing efficiency, extending operational lifespan, and minimizing environmental impact. A key trend is the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as digital sensors, AI-powered predictive maintenance systems, and real-time performance optimization tools to enhance plant performance, reliability, and overall energy output. Manufacturers are strategically differentiating their offerings by emphasizing reduced maintenance needs, increased energy yields, improved grid stability, and environmentally responsible designs. This focus on sustainability and technological sophistication is driving market growth and attracting significant investment.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in Europe Hydropower Industry
Key Drivers:
- Increasing demand for renewable energy sources due to climate change concerns and environmental regulations.
- Government support through subsidies, tax incentives, and renewable energy targets.
- Technological advancements leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs.
Key Challenges and Restraints:
- High capital expenditure requirements for new projects, potentially hindering smaller players' entry.
- Environmental concerns related to river ecosystems and habitat disruption, resulting in lengthy permitting processes.
- Competition from other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Emerging Opportunities in Europe Hydropower Industry
- Modernization of existing hydropower plants: Retrofitting older plants with state-of-the-art technologies presents a significant opportunity to boost efficiency, increase capacity, and extend the operational lifespan of existing infrastructure. This involves upgrading turbines, generators, and control systems, as well as implementing advanced monitoring and management solutions.
- Small-scale hydropower: The development of smaller, decentralized hydropower plants in rural areas offers a sustainable and reliable energy solution, reducing reliance on centralized grids and promoting energy independence. This approach aligns with the broader goals of enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable development.
- Hybrid energy systems: Integrating hydropower with other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, creates synergistic hybrid systems that optimize energy generation, enhance grid stability, and improve overall energy resilience. This approach enables the efficient utilization of complementary renewable resources, maximizing energy output while minimizing environmental impact.
- Pumped hydro storage: Pumped hydro storage (PHS) is experiencing a resurgence as a crucial technology for balancing intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This technology allows for energy storage during periods of low demand and release during peak periods, greatly improving grid stability and reliability.
Growth Accelerators in the Europe Hydropower Industry Industry
Technological advancements in turbine design, enhanced energy storage solutions, and the integration of smart grid technologies will significantly contribute to long-term growth in the European hydropower industry. Strategic partnerships between energy companies, technology providers, and research institutions foster innovation and accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Expanding the deployment of hydropower in underserved regions and promoting cross-border collaborations will further drive market expansion.
Key Players Shaping the Europe Hydropower Industry Market
- Bechtel Corporation
- Electricite de France SA
- Statkraft AS
- Enel Green Power S.p.A
- PJSC RusHydro
- General Electric Company
- Agder Energi SA
- Voith Hydro
- Andritz AG
- Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
- Vestas
Notable Milestones in Europe Hydropower Industry Sector
- September 2022: The French Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) approved a contract for a new 2.9 MW run-of-river hydropower station on the Inini River, highlighting the continued development of smaller-scale projects and the ongoing commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
- May 2022: Drax Group PLC's USD 607 million investment in the Cruachan Power Station signifies a major investment in pumped storage hydropower, showcasing the growth potential of this segment and its importance in grid stabilization and renewable energy integration.
- [Insert More Recent Milestones Here]: Include more recent news and significant projects to update the section. Be sure to cite the source for each milestone.
In-Depth Europe Hydropower Industry Market Outlook
The European hydropower industry is experiencing a period of sustained growth, driven by a confluence of factors. These include the increasing demand for clean, renewable energy sources, supportive government policies aimed at achieving ambitious climate targets, and the continuous advancement of technological innovation. Strategic investments in the modernization of existing hydropower plants, expansion into new markets (including small-scale hydropower projects), and the integration of innovative technologies such as pumped hydro storage are key drivers of this positive outlook. Companies that prioritize efficient plant operations, environmentally sustainable practices, and the development of cutting-edge hydropower solutions are particularly well-positioned to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities within this dynamic sector. The industry is expected to see continued investment and growth in the coming years, fueled by the need for reliable, sustainable energy sources and the advancements in technology that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Europe Hydropower Industry Segmentation
-
1. Type
- 1.1. Large Hydropower
- 1.2. Small Hydropower
- 1.3. Pumped Storage
Europe Hydropower Industry Segmentation By Geography
- 1. Russia
- 2. Norway
- 3. France
- 4. Italy
- 5. Rest of Europe

Europe Hydropower Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of > 1.00% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. 4.; Increase in Demand for Clean Energy4.; Plant Lifetime Extensions With Favorable Policies
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. 4.; Intense Competition From Renewable Energy Sources4.; Accidents and Uncertainty over the Cost Effectiveness
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Pumped Storage to Witness Significant Growth
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 5.1.1. Large Hydropower
- 5.1.2. Small Hydropower
- 5.1.3. Pumped Storage
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.2.1. Russia
- 5.2.2. Norway
- 5.2.3. France
- 5.2.4. Italy
- 5.2.5. Rest of Europe
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6. Russia Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6.1.1. Large Hydropower
- 6.1.2. Small Hydropower
- 6.1.3. Pumped Storage
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7. Norway Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7.1.1. Large Hydropower
- 7.1.2. Small Hydropower
- 7.1.3. Pumped Storage
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8. France Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8.1.1. Large Hydropower
- 8.1.2. Small Hydropower
- 8.1.3. Pumped Storage
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9. Italy Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9.1.1. Large Hydropower
- 9.1.2. Small Hydropower
- 9.1.3. Pumped Storage
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 10. Rest of Europe Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 10.1.1. Large Hydropower
- 10.1.2. Small Hydropower
- 10.1.3. Pumped Storage
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 11. Germany Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. France Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Italy Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 14. United Kingdom Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 15. Netherlands Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 16. Sweden Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 17. Rest of Europe Europe Hydropower Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 18. Competitive Analysis
- 18.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 18.2. Company Profiles
- 18.2.1 Bechtel Corporation
- 18.2.1.1. Overview
- 18.2.1.2. Products
- 18.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.2 Electricite de France SA
- 18.2.2.1. Overview
- 18.2.2.2. Products
- 18.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.3 Statkraft AS
- 18.2.3.1. Overview
- 18.2.3.2. Products
- 18.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.4 Enel Green Power S p A
- 18.2.4.1. Overview
- 18.2.4.2. Products
- 18.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.5 PJSC RusHydro
- 18.2.5.1. Overview
- 18.2.5.2. Products
- 18.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.6 General Electric Company
- 18.2.6.1. Overview
- 18.2.6.2. Products
- 18.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.7 Agder Energi SA*List Not Exhaustive
- 18.2.7.1. Overview
- 18.2.7.2. Products
- 18.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.8 Voith Hydro
- 18.2.8.1. Overview
- 18.2.8.2. Products
- 18.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.9 Andritz AG
- 18.2.9.1. Overview
- 18.2.9.2. Products
- 18.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 18.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 18.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 18.2.1 Bechtel Corporation
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Europe Hydropower Industry Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Germany Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Germany Europe Hydropower Industry Volume (Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: France Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: France Europe Hydropower Industry Volume (Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Italy Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Italy Europe Hydropower Industry Volume (Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: United Kingdom Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: United Kingdom Europe Hydropower Industry Volume (Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Netherlands Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Netherlands Europe Hydropower Industry Volume (Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Sweden Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Sweden Europe Hydropower Industry Volume (Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Rest of Europe Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Rest of Europe Europe Hydropower Industry Volume (Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: Europe Hydropower Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: Europe Hydropower Industry Volume Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Europe Hydropower Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately > 1.00%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Europe Hydropower Industry?
Key companies in the market include Bechtel Corporation, Electricite de France SA, Statkraft AS, Enel Green Power S p A, PJSC RusHydro, General Electric Company, Agder Energi SA*List Not Exhaustive, Voith Hydro, Andritz AG.
3. What are the main segments of the Europe Hydropower Industry?
The market segments include Type.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
4.; Increase in Demand for Clean Energy4.; Plant Lifetime Extensions With Favorable Policies.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Pumped Storage to Witness Significant Growth.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
4.; Intense Competition From Renewable Energy Sources4.; Accidents and Uncertainty over the Cost Effectiveness.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
September 2022: The French Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) permitted it to sign a contract with EDF for the sale of electricity produced by a new run-of-river hydropower station with a capacity of 2.9 MW that is to be built on the Inini River at Saut-Sonnelle, in the town of Maripa-Soula. The offtake contract covers 30 years from the commissioning of the facility, which is scheduled for 2026.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in Unit.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Europe Hydropower Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Europe Hydropower Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Europe Hydropower Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Europe Hydropower Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence