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UNIFYING THE VOICES OF HYDROPOWER

ETIP HYDROPOWER PARTICIPATES IN THE CONFERENCE ‘ADVANCING THE SET PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE’ HOSTED BY THE ETIPS FORUM

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.

WEBINAR RECAP: Boosting Hydropower IV: Beyond the Project

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 Survey - Key barriers and drivers in modernising hydropower fleets across Europe

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