Join the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) at the 2nd 'Research Meets Policy Conference' on April 9th in Brussels!

This exciting event will focus on the latest advancements in wind energy and the societal implications of the energy transition, focusing on the rapid development of wind energy in the North Sea and exploring the interplay between technological advancements and the societal impacts of the energy transition.

Event Details:

Date: April 9, 2024.
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Location: Comet Louise, Place Stéphanie 20, 1050 Brussels.
For registering, click here. 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts and networking!

In a stride towards enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of hydropower systems, a consortium led by members of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) has finalized a pivotal publication titled “Recommendations Towards the Deployment of Hydropower Flexibility Technologies” as part of the XFLEX HYDRO project.

The XFLEX HYDRO project is also an European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation project with the objective to show hydropower’s technical and strategic role in demonstrating how renewable-based generation can be achieved in a secure and reliable manner. Thanks to this project, the sector has gained a better understanding of the flexibility that the existing EU hydropower fleet can provide to the electrical system, and demonstrated how, using a set of innovative technologies, this flexibility potential can be optimised and enhanced. 

The project puts hydropower at the forefront of innovation, strengthening the industry’s know-how, improving its technology export potential, and facilitating job creation. This document is designed to speak to a wide range of stakeholders and its content is laid out in a manner so that the relevant information is clear, accessible, and actionable by the reader. The technical part of this report provides the key takeaways from the project and enables plant owners and energy experts to identify opportunities to introduce some of the findings in their plants.

For instance, this are the seven key recommendations that emerged:

1. 1. Recognise and value hydro flexibility as an essential service to the power system to achieve a successful energy transition.‍
   2. Remove regulatory barriers for unrestricted implementation and operation of hydro flexibility technologies.‍
   3. Provide remuneration mechanisms enabling investment in flexibility.
   4. Facilitate cross-border collaboration for efficient exchange of flexibility services.  ‍
   5. Streamline licensing renewals for optimised hydropower operations.
   6. Conduct system-level analysis to anticipate and address future flexibility needs.
   7. Promote support mechanisms for the modernisation of ageing hydropower infrastructure.

Download the full report here. Also, a more concise article developing the 7 policy recommendations is available. 

Dear hydropower operators, 

We are excited to invite you to participate in the joint survey conducted by the IEA Hydro & IHA joint project. This survey focuses on the operation of hydropower and its crucial role in water resource management. Your expertise is highly valued, and we are eager to hear your insights for helping shape future sustainable water management practices.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Here are the survey links:

• • Part 1 of the survey
  • Part 2 of the survey

For background information on the project, you can check the Annex XVIII - Decision Support for Comprehensive Utilization of Basin Water Resources - IEA Hydropower.

The deadline is 30 April. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the project leads, whose information can be found at the bottom of the survey.

Thursday, March 14th, 2024, 2pm (CET).
 
Discover how sustainable energy storage is revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape. With wind and solar energy relying heavily on weather conditions, it's essential to explore innovative solutions for storing this renewable power.
 
Introducing the live webinar, "Exploring the Future of Renewable Energy Storage in the Seas," where we'll delve into the potential of pumped hydro storage in low-lying areas. This technology, traditionally thought to be limited by a lack of natural heads and efficient low-head turbines, is now taking centre stage.
 
With a panel of international experts, the potential for a large 2 GW dam in the North Sea will be presented.

  Register here: https://alpheus-h2020.eu/exploring-the-future-of-renewable-energy-storage-in-the-seas/

In response to the European Commission’s Calls for enhanced flexibility, storage, and environmental sustainability, ETIP Hydropower is paving the way for the transformation of the energy landscape

For more than a century, hydropower has served as a reliable and clean energy provider, harnessing the power of water to generate electricity. Its historical significance and proven results make it a crucial element in the global pursuit of more sustainable energy alternatives. The European Commission (EC) is aware of this role and has placed in the spotlight this renewable source.

The EC acknowledges the ability of hydropower in enhancing flexibility, storage capacity and sustainability. The Calls for proposals in these areas reflect the need for adaptation to changing energy demands that require improved grid stability. The European Technology and Innovation Platform (ETIP) Hydropower emerges as an ally in this quest as its main objective is to gather all the stakeholders in the hydropower value chain and guide them towards the innovations required to align with the European vision.

Harnessing Research in the hydropower sector

ETIPs collaboration with EC Research and Innovation initiatives becomes essential in shaping the future of energy. These projects act as catalysts for development as they create the base for exploration and implementation of future solutions. In this setting, every ETIP establishes a strategic roadmap for stakeholders from research communities and beyond.

In relation to hydropower, efficiency, sustainability, flexibility, and storage emerge as the keywords of the EC’s vision for the sector in the coming years, providing a clear structure to navigate the research scene.

• • Efficiency:

This means to enhance hydropower efficiency for energy output. The projects in this category are usually infrastructure based, for example, they could tackle the modernisation of turbines or improvement of plants’ performance.

• • Sustainability:

Addressing historical environmental concerns, sustainability in hydropower is on the quest of improved models that can only be reached through investments in research and innovation. Actions in this research line include monitoring restoration sites, establishing biological databases, identifying reservoir services for biodiversity, researching environmental indicators, fostering eco-design collaboration, and exploring innovative societal approaches, among others.

• • Flexibility:

The ability of hydropower to adapt to fluctuating energy demands is one of the biggest assets, since it is essential to grid stability. Projects addressing flexibility mostly concentrate on the implementation of digital solutions, such as smart grid integration or smart storage systems.

• • Storage:

Storage is one of the biggest challenges across all energy transition efforts. It is essential to address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and to adapt to the demand. Research projects tackling storage revolve around developments in pumped storage and other technologies to store the excess of energy during periods of low demand. Large hydropower reservoirs are also vital to mitigate climate change effects and thus contribute to the WEF NEXUS and achievement of the SDGs of the United Nations.

By strategically associating these keywords (efficiency, sustainability, flexibility and storage) with EU research initiatives, stakeholders gain a powerful tool to navigate the research needs of the sector. This targeted approach ensures the alignment with the broader vision for energy that has been set up by the European Commission, making hydropower as not only resilient, but also an environmentally friendly and technologically advanced source.

As we embrace the challenges of energy transition, the synergy between research and innovation and policy emerges as a locomotive behind the progress of hydropower. The cooperation between the EC and ETIP Hydropower is more than just a connection. It could be an opportunity to steer hydropower as the pivot to catalyse energy transition in Europe.

Image: Dam in Madrid. Wirestock from Freepik

Mark your calendars for April 16^th and don't miss out on this pivotal event in Brussels!

Join us for the Brussels Hydropower Day 2024, a hybrid conference taking place both in-person at the Bluepoint Brussels and virtually via live stream. The Brussels Hydropower Day 2024 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.

Co-hosted by European Hydropower Alliance. 

Event Details:

Date: April 16^th, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Bluepoint Brussels (In-person) and Online (via live stream)

Register now to secure your spot!

Download agenda here.

For more information, visit our website

Last 31 January 2024 energy leaders convened in Laussane (Switzerland) for the XFLEX HYDRO conference, unveiling groundbreaking technological upgrades to hydropower plants across Europe. The initiative, backed by a 4-year, EUR-18m investment, signifies a significant leap in our understanding of hydropower's potential in supporting the global energy transition and ensuring power grid stability.

The XFLEX HYDRO project showcases the fusion of international expertise, revealing that through advanced software solutions and modest technological enhancements, existing hydropower plants can offer extended flexibility. This marks a departure from traditional hardware-centric approaches, emphasizing digital upgrades to harness new value and deliver crucial grid stability services.

Hydropower, a stalwart in renewable energy for over 150 years, has taken center stage once again as the world accelerates its pursuit of clean energy. The event  in Lausanne proposed various upgrades, such as about hydropower turbine and battery hybrids, variable speed turbines, and optimized operational modes. With 250 participants engaged in discussions, the event served as a melting pot for industry professionals, policymakers, and energy influencers, exploring topics ranging from preparing for the energy transition to maximizing hydropower assets.

Antonella Frigerio, Vice-Chair of the ETIP HYDROPOWER Governing Board, contributed to the panel discussion titled "Going further with hydropower: research and innovation perspectives," alongside Atle Harby and Emanuel Quaranta, both members of the Scientific Advisory Board of ETIP HYDROPOWER. The presence of ETIP HYDROPOWER at the XFLEX HYDRO Official Result Launch underscores the collaborative effort to shape the Future of Hydro. For more details, visit https://www.xflexhydro.com/news 

ETIP HYDROPOWER Representations from left Peter Stettner (Andritz-Hydro), Vice Chair Governing Board; Denis Aelbrecht (EDF-Hydro), Chair Governing Board; Antonella Frigerio (RSE); Anton Schleiss (Secretariat ETIP HYDROPOWER)

The European Technology and Innovation Platform on Hydropower (ETIP Hydropower) has recently made significant strides in the energy sector, participating in high-profile events and advancing its governance structure. This summary highlights the key developments in the Governing Board elections, the project's involvement in Enlit Europe, collaboration with the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA), and the outcomes of the inaugural "Brussels Hydropower Day."

Brussels Hydropower Day:

ETIP Hydropower successfully organized the first edition of the "Brussels Hydropower Day" on April 25, 2023. The event brought together stakeholders to discuss opportunities and barriers in the deployment of hydropower amidst challenges like the energy transition and changing market conditions. Keynote speakers highlighted the role of hydropower in the energy landscape, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions.

Establishment of the Governing Board:

ETIP Hydropower is actively working towards establishing a robust governance structure. The Governing Board, crucial for shaping the future of the hydropower sector in Europe, has been successfully established and held its first official meeting on 23 November 2023. The Board is composed of 25 stakeholders representing all relevant hydropower sub-sectors, e.g. industry, operators, R&D&I, environment & civil society. They will collectively provide strategic advice to the SET Plan, addressing topics such as market analysis, research funding, biodiversity protection, and ecological continuity with the support of ETIP Hydropower project in the secretariat role. The Governing Board is led by a chairperson and two co-chairs, who have been elected in December 2023 for a 3-year term. In Q1 2024, the Governing Board is planning to discuss launching of the first thematic Working Groups. The secretariat will also proceed with the establishment of the Scientific Advisory Board, composed of relevant R&D stakeholders and stakeholder fora representatives, e.g. DG JRC, IEA Task 9, EURELECTRIC and others.

World Hydropower Congress 2023:

The World Hydropower Congress in Bali, organized by partner IHA, is anticipated to bridge the gap between climate ambition and actionable solutions. This global event, scheduled for October 31 to November 2, aims to bring together decision-makers, innovators, and experts to shape the future of sustainable hydropower and contribute to the world's clean energy transition.

Enlit Europe Participation:

ETIP Hydropower has participated in the recent Enlit Europe forum, where it featured in the ETIPs Forum session on renewable energy sources. The event, hosting 12,000 energy professionals, aimed to foster collaboration, showcase industry developments, and engage with EU-funded projects. ETIP Hydropower was also present at the Zabala Innovation booth during the three-day event, providing a platform to discuss and showcase its innovative strategies for the future of hydropower.

Conference HYDRO 2023:

Anton Schleiss from the ETIP Hydropower Management Team chaired a session at the HYDRO 2023 conference, emphasizing the importance of reliable hydropower as a catalyst for Europe's clean and safe energy transition. The outcomes of this session are slated for publication in the Journal on Hydropower & Dams in 2023.

Global Renewables Alliance Formation:

In a significant global development, over 40 nations and influential organizations have united under the banner of the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA). The International Hydroelectric Association (IHA) has joined forces with GRA, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to drive the transformation of the energy sector through collaborative action.

As ETIP Hydropower actively engages in global forums, governance structure development, and collaborative initiatives, it continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the hydropower sector. The project's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability positions it as a key player in the ongoing energy transition. Stay tuned for further updates and insights as ETIP Hydropower progresses in its mission to redefine the landscape of hydropower research, innovation, and industry collaboration.

Anton Schleiss, Jean-Jacques Fry, and Mark Morris from the ETIP HYDROPOWER Management Team published a paper entitled “The energy crisis in Europa reveals the importance of reliable hydropower as a catalyst and enabler for the clean and safe energy transition” which gives an overview of the results of HYDROPOWER EUROPE project as well as the goals and outcomes of the ETIP HYDROPOWER project.

Access the publication HERE.