Key insights from Hydropower Day 2025: Flexibility, innovation, and environmental stewardship driving Europe’s renewable energy future

*Presentations available via ETIP HYDROPOWER CONSULTATION PLATFORM: https://hydro-consultation.eu/participant-area/ *

 

On 8 April 2025, leading experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders gathered at Hydropower Day 2025 in Brussels to discuss the evolving role of hydropower in Europe’s energy transition. Hosted by ETIP HYDROPOWER, the event provided a platform for knowledge exchange, best practice sharing, and forward-looking discussions on sustainability, innovation, and climate resilience. With growing concerns over energy security, decarbonisation, and environmental sustainability, this event emphasised the essential role of hydropower in the clean energy future.

 

Europe needs a resilient energy system, and that means smart legislation, strong industrial strategy, and bold investment in hydropower R&I to stay ahead globally

The keynote session emphasized hydropower’s ability to balance energy, water, food, and environmental needs. Thomas Schlecker (DG RTD) highlighted hydropower’s contributions to sustainability. In this session, the focus was on how European Hydropower could support the overall objectives set by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Miroslav Marence (IHE) talked to us about the key role of energy in the European Policies and the status of the competitiveness in the hydropower sector. Next, Adel el Gammal (EERA) showcased the industry's strength in delivering green and flexible innovation globally and the role of EERA in R&I.

The panel discussion was composed by Heike Bergmann (VOITH Hydro), Eivind Hodne Steen (Eurelectric); Miroslav Marence (IHE Delft) and Adel El Gammal (EERA) and moderated by Greg Arrowsmith (EUREC). The group discussed about the reasons why Pumped-Storage Hydropower (PSH) is not scaling as fast as it should be despite its critical role: PSH has the characteristics to be the key flexibility provider with the growth of wind and solar. However, the issue of the permitting process was also highlighted as one of the main blockers of this technology.

 

Real-world hydropower projects show how we can meet demand, but financing and policy must catch up

Session 1 was devoted to Strengthening Energy Security. Franck Dia Wagoum (ENTSO-E) stressed that flexibility is no longer optional in the European grid, emphasising hydropower’s role in ensuring stability both in long-term and short-term to manage variability. Michaël Plaschy (Nant de Drance, Alpiq) shared real-world experience operating a large, pumped storage plant under market constraints. He explained that financing and environmental concerns remain the major barriers for expansion. Finally, Atle Harby (SINTEF) presented research on the impact of large-scale hydropower in Norway on electricity prices and environmental conditions. He highlighted that interconnections among countries not only would lower energy prices but also promote energy solidarity in Europe.

The panel discussion in the first session featured the previously mentioned speakers, with Wolfram Malzfeldt (BDW), Gordon Edge (IHA), and Elena Vagnoni (EPFL) joining them, while Leonardo Nibbi (Università degli Studi di Firenze) moderated the session. The panel discussion brought perspectives on hydropower’s role in enhancing flexibility and resilience within Europe’s energy system. Speakers highlighted the potential of run-of-river plants to support grid stability sharing practical examples from Switzerland and Norway, and stressed the importance of modernisation, fair compensation for flexibility services, and a balanced approach to environmental considerations. Technological advancements, such as those demonstrated in the XFLEX HYDRO project, and the use of AI for improved operations and monitoring, were agreed as key areas to support the future development of sustainable and efficient hydropower.

 

Balancing Energy Production and Environmental Preservation for Long-Term Sustainability

The second session of the day revolved around environmental responsibility in hydropower. Tasniem Siegfried Jawaid (ETIP HYDROPOWER/EREF) told the audience about National interpretations of regulations on nature in the absence of an EU law on nature restoration. Christoph Hauer (BOKU) highlighted the importance of sediment management for both ecological and technical functions. He also explained that removing obstacle barriers does not solve the problem as it does not erase sediment dynamics but rather alters their pattern creating new concerns.

Agnès Barillier (EDF), spoke about how hydropower’s environmental impact requires a context-specific approach that considers water flows, sediment continuity and fauna and flora behaviours (among other site-specific characteristics) to provide tailored measures that need to be monitored over time. Finally, Joao Costa (HSA) explained the audience how the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance offers a globally recognised certification system that enhances credibility, financial value and environmental accountability. The certification is done via independent auditing, thus ensuring stakeholder transparency and reliability.

The panel discussion, moderated by Natalie Rojko (Energyminer), also included Jeffrey Tuhtan (TalTech), Ólafur Jónsson (Landsvirkjun), and the previously mentioned speakers. The panel debated about how important is that the ecosystem restoration efforts look beyond hydropower and consider the broader environmental context. As highlighted before, there is no one-size-fits-all approach and each water body must find site-specific solutions. In addition, they also underlined that long-term monitoring, and real-world experiences are vital to support the measures.

 

Climate resilience starts with smarter hydropower, tracking emissions and designing for extreme climate challenges

The third session focused on the work done by the Working Group 3 of ETIP HYDROPOWER, that is, the role of hydropower tackling climate challenges.  Arianna Trevisiol (RSE Italy) highlighted how climate change will impact hydropower production in Europe, with northern regions potentially benefiting from increased water inflow, while southern areas, like Portugal and Italy, could see a 20-30% decrease in generation due to warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall. Next, Martin Fuchs (AFRY) emphasised that while hydropower plants contribute to emissions, they are vital for flood control, drought mitigation and providing low-carbon electricity. He also said that the sector needs to improve the climate resilience aspect of hydropower projects with proper adaptation and mitigation measures.

The last presentation was done by Christos Dimou (PPC) who brought us the case of Greece’s reliance on large hydropower for energy generation. He stressed the increasing importance of PSH, the impact of droughts on energy prices and the need for new reservoirs, all with the focus on PSH as the future solution of these challenges.

For the panel discussion of session three Aðalbjörg Birna Guttormsdóttir (DG ENV, EC) and Alessandra Carota (ENEL) joined the group of speakers. They discussed that the global push for greener hydropower is growing, with Europe leading the way setting standards. Hydropower plays a crucial role in the achievement of EU’s climate goals but needs to adapt to the rising climate risks. This could be addressed by smarter emissions tracking and improving efficiency though smarter technologies and modernising plants.

 

Conclusion and looking ahead

Hydropower must transform into a flexible and climate-resilient source of energy generation to meet the evolving needs of demand and climate change. With Europe leading on sustainability standards, hydropower places itself and an essential asset to achieving EU’s climate goads while tackling environmental concerns such as biodiversity loss and water ecosystem damage. As extreme weather patterns become more frequent, hydropower must bet on innovative solutions that prioritise both, sustainability and efficiency.

Looking forward, the key lies in embedding flexibility into the hydropower systems. This would allow them to respond dynamically to changes in water flows. Collaboration and innovation were also highlighted as crucial in minimising environmental impact while boosting hydropower’s role in water resilience. The hydropower sector must unite with a clear and powerful voice driving flexibility, environmental protection and climate adaptation forward.

To conclude the event, Anton Schleiss (ETIP HYDROPOWER / ICOLD) and Denis Aelbrecht (EDF/ ETIP HYDROPOWER GB) highlighted the importance of raising awareness and driving innovation in the sector. A key challenge is to strengthen ETIP HYDROPOWER’s role in unifying the voice of the hydropower community which requires the support from all stakeholders.

   

Introduction of the Hydropower Day 2025 by Anton Schleiss (ETIP HYDROPOWER/ICOLD) 

 

ABOUT ETIP HYDROPOWER:

The ETIP HYDROPOWER project was shaped following the previous HYDROPOWER EUROPE Forum project which was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme that ran between 2018 and 2022.  The hydropower Research and Innovation Agenda (RIA) and the Strategy Industry Roadmap (SIR) were created under the HYDROPOWER EUROPE project.

The ETIP HYDROPOWER project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme and the consortium comprises eight expert organisations including: EUREC, SAMUI FRANCE, EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR STORAGE OF ENERGY (EASE), COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE DES GRANDS BARRAGES (ICOLD), VGB POWERTECH, ZABALA BRUSSELS, EUROPEAN RENEWABLE ENERGIES FEDERATION (EREF) and INTERNATIONAL HYDROPOWER ASSOCIATION (IHA).

The project started in September 2022, is expected to end in August 2025 and has been granted EUR 1 million Euros under the call dedicated to “Support to the activities of the ETIPs and technology areas of the SET Plan”.

 

 

ETIP HYDROPOWER took part in the recent ‘Advancing the SET Plan for a Sustainable Energy Future’ conference on 19th March, represented by Antonella Frigerio, Co-Chair of the ETIP HYDROPOWER Governing Board and Vice Director at RSE. Antonella contributed to the session titled “Closing the Innovation Gap – Reviving the Virtuous Innovating Cycle”, where she provided insights on hydropower’s alignment with EU strategies, as well as sector challenges and future objectives.

Hydropower and EU Strategies

Antonella emphasised that hydropower must adapt and innovate to actively contribute to the energy transition. ETIP HYDROPOWER is fully operational and has submitted an official request for recognition, awaiting a response. This recognition is critical as it allows updates to research priorities (RIA) and the industrial plan (SIR), ensuring hydropower remains at the forefront of sustainable energy developments.

Key aspects of hydropower include energy security, its position as the leading renewable energy source in terms of production, and its contributions to mitigating flood risks and reducing drought impacts on agriculture. These services are often assumed but may become increasingly relevant in addressing future energy and climate-related challenges.

ETIP HYDROPOWER is open to collaboration with other ETIPs and the Energy Alliance to strengthen the sector’s presence and integration within EU policies.

Challenges and Future Objectives

Several key challenges affecting the hydropower sector were identified:

• Regulatory Framework: Streamlining permitting procedures, particularly for Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH), to facilitate project development.
• Investment and Market Structure: Encouraging reforms in the electricity market to provide long-term pricing indicators and attract investments for new hydropower facilities.
• Climate Change Considerations: Assessing future water availability to ensure water resource management supports multiple uses, including energy production.
• Environmental and Biodiversity Aspects: Operators are increasingly involved in sustainability assessments and environmental mitigation efforts.
• Infrastructure Modernisation: Supporting retrofitting and upgrades to prevent the decommissioning of older hydropower plants, thereby maintaining their contribution to Europe’s energy transition.

Future Outlook and Policy Considerations

In a scenario with fewer regulatory constraints, ETIP HYDROPOWER’s priorities would include securing official recognition from the European Commission and fostering EU-level discussions with environmental stakeholders. Establishing structured dialogue could contribute to a more balanced approach to hydropower’s role in sustainable energy policies.

We remain engaged in innovation, regulatory discussions, and cross-sector collaboration to support hydropower’s role within Europe’s evolving energy landscape.

On 26 February 2025, the fourth session of the webinar series “Boosting Hydropower” brought together experts and researchers to share recent developments in hydropower technology. Organised by the ETIP HYDROPOWER project, the event highlighted key innovations and introduced findings from the recently finalised hydropower projects funded by the EU. 

The three European-funded research projects—Fish-friendly Innovative Technologies for Hydropower (FIThydro), Hydropower Extending Power System Flexibility (XFLEX HYDRO), and Hydropower solutions for developing and emerging countries (HYPOSO)—were showcased.

Project highlights were:

• Atle Harby from SINTEF Energy Research presented FITHydro, which aims to demonstrate how hydropower can meet energy demands while minimising environmental harm. The project integrated tools and technologies to help HPP operators maintain production while protecting fish populations and preserving habitats. ACCESS THE PRESENTATION HERE.
• Elena Vagnoni from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) introduced XFLEX HYDRO, an initiative intended to enhance hydropower’s flexibility services for the grid. To achieve this, the project developed innovative hydroelectric solutions to optimize maintenance, reduce downtime, and improve the reliability and efficiency of Europe’s hydroelectric plants. ACCESS THE PRESENTATION HERE.
• Ingo Ball from WIP Renewable Energies presented the HYPOSO project, which focused on supporting the European hydropower industry while fostering sustainable development in Africa and Latin America. It included market analyses, GIS mapping of untapped potential, and training for young professionals in countries like Bolivia, Cameroon, and Colombia. ACCESS THE PRESENTATION HERE.

In addition, Anton Schleiss from the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), also provided an overview of ETIP HYDROPOWER’s contributions to innovation and policy support in the sector and outlined the next BRUSSELS HYDROPOWER DAY 2025. ACCESS THE PRESENTATION HERE and REGISTER FOR THE HYDROPOWER DAY. 

The session reinforced the importance of research and innovation in ensuring the continued relevance of hydropower within Europe’s energy landscape. The projects presented demonstrated how modernisation, environmental responsibility, and resilience are integral to the future of the sector.

The webinar series remains a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, supporting hydropower’s contribution to achieving the EU’s clean energy objectives. You can rewatch it on our Youtube channel or via the miniature below:

ReHydro – Barriers and Drivers in Modernising European Hydropower Fleets is an EU-funded research project that aims to support Europe’s energy transition by optimising existing hydropower infrastructure. The initiative focuses on modernising ageing infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns and societal needs. ReHydro proposes new methods to improve efficiency, capacity and flexibility across the hydropower sector. 

As part of this effort, a survey was developed by the IHA, vgbe energy, SuperGrid Institute and SINTEF to identify the key barriers and drivers in modernising hydropower fleets across Europe. The confidential survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and will gather general information about current modernisation efforts and plans. It also includes an optional section that focuses on a specific project within your hydropower fleet.

We invite you to complete the survey, as your insights are crucial for shaping recommendations for the modernisation of hydropower. 

By completing the survey, you will have the opportunity to receive and review the aggregated results, gain valuable insights into the key drivers and barriers in modernising European hydropower, and receive an invitation to participate in a dedicated workshop on April 11th, 2025, where we will delve deeper into the findings.

Survey link here

If you have any questions or encounter issues with the survey, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your time and valuable input in shaping the future of hydropower modernisation across Europe. 

Hydropower remains the backbone of Europe’s clean energy transition, contributing 28.7% of Europe’s renewable electricity production and 16.7% of Europe’s electricity in 2023. However, with an average fleet age of 45 years and 70% being at least 30 years old, the threat of ageing infrastructure, outdated technology, and reduced efficiency remains a prominent challenge. Modernisation is essential in securing Europe’s energy resilience, diversity, and security of supply. 

You can learn more about the ReHydro Project at: ReHydro 

Mark your calendars for April 8 and don't miss out on this event in Brussels!

Join us for the Brussels Hydropower Day 2025, a hybrid conference taking place both in-person at the Le Bouche à Oreille and virtually via live stream. The Brussels Hydropower Day 2025 is your gateway to engaging with stakeholders and decision-makers shaping the future of the hydropower sector in Europe. This conference serves as a crucial platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities surrounding hydropower deployment amidst the energy transition.

There are many reasons why you shouldn't skip out on this event:

• Gain insights into the pivotal role of hydropower and energy storage in navigating uncertainties such as economic fluctuations, market dynamics, and climate change.
• Learn from industry leaders about best practices in hydropower deployment, including strategies for electricity market design, flexibility enhancements, and meeting social and environmental standards.
• Participate in discussions on collaboration across sectors within the SET Plan, exploring pathways for seamless energy system integration and ensuring a resilient and adaptable energy supply.
• Stay updated on the latest initiatives of ETIP HYDROPOWER, driving towards a unified voice for hydropower across Europe.

Event Details:

• Date: April 8th, 2025
• Time: 9:15 AM – 4:15 PM CET
• Location: Le Bouche à Oreille (In-person) and Online (via live stream)

Registration link here 

On 26 February 2025, from 13:30 to 15:00 CET, the latest session in the webinar series “Boosting Hydropower: Beyond the Project” will present three of the most successful hydropower projects that have concluded in recent times. Organised by the ETIP HYDROPOWER project, this session will present the outputs of three EU research projects on hydropower.

Featured Projects and Presenters:

• FITHydro: Atle Harby from SINTEF Energy Research will present FITHydro, which aims to demonstrate how hydropower can meet energy demands while minimising environmental harm. HPPs can negatively impact fish populations, migration routes, and habitats. By integrating tools, technologies, and a decision support system, the project enables HPP operators to maintain production rates while protecting fish populations and upholding environmental standards.
• XFLEX HYDRO: Elena Vagnoni from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) will introduce XFLEX HYDRO, an initiative intended to enhance hydropower’s flexibility services for the grid. To achieve this, the project introduced an innovative methodology for integrating hydroelectric technology solutions and analysing their impact on the modern power market. These solutions also optimise maintenance schedules, reduce outage times, and improve the availability of Europe's hydroelectric power plant fleet, making hydropower more efficient and reliable.
• HYPOSO: Ingo Ball from WIP Renewable Energies will present the HYPOSO project, which focused on supporting the European hydropower industry while fostering sustainable development in Africa and Latin America. The project combined market analyses, GIS mapping of untapped hydropower potential, assessments of political and financial frameworks, and capacity-building training for young hydropower professionals in Bolivia, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uganda.

The webinar will also feature contributions from Anton Schleiss from the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), who will be presenting ETIP HYDROPOWER.

This webinar will provide an opportunity to learn about the latest research developments in hydropower across Europe.

How to Join:

Interested participants can register for the webinar HERE.

You can find the agenda also HERE. 

The ETIP HYDROPOWER team is excited to announce the winner of the Winter Postcard Contest, which aimed to celebrate the beauty of hydropower during the winter months by showcasing snow-covered landscapes, icy reflections, and the resilience of hydropower in harmony with nature.

Winning Photograph:

Martin Stoyanov – This stunning photograph features the Kalin Dam in winter, the highest dam on the Balkan Peninsula. Located at 2,394 meters above sea level in the Rila Mountain, the Kalin Dam is breathtaking in its icy splendor. Access to the dam in winter is extremely challenging, but its beauty is well worth the effort, explains Martin. 

The photograph will be featured on ETIP HYDROPOWER's official postcards, website, and social media channels to spread winter cheer and highlight the importance of hydropower in a sustainable future.

We thank all participants for their wonderful submissions, capturing the magic of hydropower during the colder months.

Warm wishes for a joyful winter from the ETIP HYDROPOWER team!

For more information, visit our website and keep celebrating the power of hydropower through all seasons!

For the first time, ETIP HYDROPOWER, represented by Anton Schleiss from the Secretariat, participated in a SET-Plan conference. The theme of the event was Scaling Up Research, Innovation, and Competitiveness in Clean Energy Technologies.

In terms of technology, the conference focused almost exclusively on wind and solar energy during the parallel sessions, with some attention given to nuclear energy and batteries. Unfortunately, hydropower was not mentioned during the official high-level opening or the high-level plenary session.

Following the official recognition of ETIP HYDROPOWER, we hope to raise awareness of the importance of hydropower at the next SET-Plan Conference in 2025.

The Agenda and the links to the streaming of the SET Plan Conference can be found here.  

On 13 November 2024, the Cluster Workshop with IWGs and ETIPs Secretariats on Task Forces was held in Budapest, Hungary, as a side event of the SET-Plan Conference. In response to a call from the SET-Plan, ETIP HYDROPOWER has delegated the following experts to the newly established Task Forces, which bring together technical experts to address cross-cutting topics:

• Hervé Romano (EDF, France) - Task Force 1: Circularity and Materials Substitution
• Anton Schleiss (ICOLD-EPFL, Switzerland) - Task Force 2: Research and Innovation for Societal Needs
• Eduard Doujak (TU Wien, Austria) - Task Force 3: Digitalization 
• Emmanuel Bouyge (EDF, France) - Task Force 5: Access to Market

For Task Force 4 concerns “Skills” which should foster collaboration between industry and academia, no expert from our forum manifested an interest to be part of this Task Force. However, the Scientific Advisory Board of ETIP HYDROPOWER has launched an initiative regarding the assessment of the hydropower education at universities in Europe in collaboration with EERA Hydropower.

On behalf of the Secretariat and to represent the hydropower view, Anton Schleiss participated to the cluster workshop on 13 November 2024, which goal was to identify the priorities of the cross-cutting topics in order to inform the future works of the respective Task Forces starting their work in 2025. The workshop was attended by 54 participants. The workshop outcomes can be downloaded here.