ETIP HYDROPOWER actively engaged at the recent #EUGreenWeek Conference. As a key figure in the hydropower sector and a proud contributor to the #WaterWiseEU campaign, we recognize the critical role hydropower can play in tackling pressing water challenges like floods and water scarcity. From the session "Water resilient EU – Key challenges, definition and vision", we could highlight the following key takeaways:

• A call for unified action: Maroš Šefčovič emphasized the need for joint efforts and broader stakeholder dialogue to achieve water resilience by 2050.
• Addressing water extremes: Lidia Brito highlighted the dual threats of water scarcity and excess, urging immediate action to prioritize water for environmental and human well-being.
• Strengthening legal frameworks: Alain Maron stressed the importance of robust legal frameworks across Europe to ensure equitable water distribution and water cycle restoration.
• Sharing knowledge and best practices: Anikó Raisz underlined the significance of inter-sectoral collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Water for a competitive future: Pietro Francesco De Lotto discussed the centrality of water for industrial competitiveness and advocated for a renewed European water policy agenda.

ETIP HYDROPOWER, through our commitment to innovation and deep industry knowledge, is positioned to contribute significantly to more effective water resource management, flood mitigation, and ensuring a stable water supply for all.

Our focus areas include linked to the Brussels Conference 2024 are the followings:

1. Enhancing and disseminating research and innovation in hydropower.
2. Aligning industry strategies with EU climate and energy policies.
3. Collaborating with stakeholders to foster understanding and overcome innovation barriers.

By working together, we can build a water-resilient Europe. Let's keep innovating and collaborating for a sustainable future!

#ETIPHydropower #Hydropower #WaterResilience #Sustainability #Innovation #ClimateAction #EUGreenWeek #WaterWiseEU

ETIP HYDROPOWER hosted a webinar, "Boosting Hydropower with Good Practices for Research," showcasing advancements in the hydropower field. The event brought together key players and highlighted promising initiatives leveraging digital solutions to enhance hydropower efficiency and sustainability.

Emanuele Quaranta from the European Commission provided an overview of current hydropower research activities, mentioning that the European Union allocates an average of €10 million annually to EU-based hydropower projects. Therefore, Anton Schleiss emphasized ETIP HYDROPOWER's role in unifying the sector and presenting a single voice on key issues.

The webinar featured presentations from three key projects focused on digitalization within the hydropower sector:

• D-HYDROFLEX: Presented by Katerina Drivakou, this project aims to improve sustainability performance and flexibility of hydropower assets using IoT, digital twin technologies, AI-based techniques, and novel sensor-based modeling. The project also focuses on reducing the impact on fish migratory species and enhancing cybersecurity.
• Di-Hydro: Presented by Alkiviadis Tromaras, this project focuses on the digitalization of operations and maintenance for hydropower plants. It includes real-time system management, remote monitoring, AI-based techniques, and advanced sensors to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• iAMP-Hydro: Presented by Aonghus McNabola, this project co-develops and validates novel condition monitoring and predictive maintenance solutions, advanced sensors for biodiversity monitoring, and enhanced weather and flow forecasting models. It aims to improve the ecological and socio-economic sustainability of existing plants.

These initiatives represent significant steps forward in unlocking hydropower's full potential as a clean and reliable renewable energy source for the EU. By harnessing digital technologies, these projects aim to propel efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and pave the way for a sustainable energy future for Europe.

Thank you to our amazing community and stay updated with more exciting developments coming soon!

For more information: 

Speaker slides: ETIP HYDROPOWER, Emanuele Quaranta (EC), Katerina Drivakou, Alkiviadis Tromaras, Aonghus McNabola

Webinar recording here

#Hydropower #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Innovation #CleanEnergy #GreenTech #ClimateAction #EUFunding #EnergyTransition #WaterPower

In an effort to highlight the vital role of dams and reservoirs in Europe's economic, social, and environmental landscape, the ICOLD European Club has inaugurated the inaugural "Dam Day - Reservoirs for Europe" celebrations. This initiative, supported by members of the ICOLD European National Committee, aims to underscore the myriad benefits of dams and reservoirs while fostering greater public understanding and appreciation.

Scheduled to take place for a period before and after May 29th, designated as the official Dam Day this year's celebrations mark the commencement of an annual tradition. Set to debut on May 29th, 2024, "Dam Day - Reservoirs for Europe" seeks to honor the significant contributions of dams and reservoirs to the sustainable development and prosperity of European nations.

The concept of "Dam Day" was conceived and championed by EurCOLD (European Club of the International Commission on Large Dams – ICOLD), following a proposal by the Italian Committee on Large Dams in June 2023. Its establishment in March 2024 reflects a collective commitment to raising public awareness about the positive impact of dams and reservoirs on social, economic, and environmental fronts.