Experts from across the hydropower sector gathered in Gaustablikk, Norway on May 21, 2025, for a full-day working meeting of IEA HYDRO Task 9. Hosted by Atle Harby and Linn Emelie Schäffer, the meeting brought together researchers and industry professionals to present their latest findings and strategize on the future direction of hydropower's role in energy systems—particularly in supporting flexibility, storage, and integration with other renewable technologies.

Presentations Highlight Flexibility, Storage, and Economic Valuation

The meeting began with updates from Task 9 leads before moving into a series of technical presentations focused on surplus energy, flexibility metrics, and valuation methodologies:

• • Luke Middleton opened with an analysis of surplus energy availability in modern grids.
  • Abhishek Somani expanded on this topic with a focus on flexibility metrics.
  • Linn Emelie Schäffer delved into how these metrics can be used to evaluate hydropower’s role.
  • Carl Andreas Veie discussed the concept of value factors for hydropower plants.
  • Seamus Garvey presented on medium-duration energy storage options.

Strategic Discussions on Ongoing and Future Tasks

In the second half of the meeting, members provided updates on various sub-topics within Task 9:

Status reports were shared on hydropower hybrids, flood control and drought management, and broader themes of flexibility and storage.

• • Yoichi Miyanaga presented insights from Japan on pumped storage hydropower, proposing a new sub-task to explore its full potential.
  • The group also discussed the concept of value-adjusted Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and questioned hydropower's exclusion from the IEA World Energy Outlook (WEO), suggesting future engagement with IEA Paris.
  • Updates on long- and medium-duration energy storage and collaboration with the IEA Wind Technology Collaboration Programme (TCP) were also presented.

Looking Ahead: Focus Areas for Task 9

Task 9 members agreed to prioritize several key areas moving forward:

• • Continued focus on long-duration flexibility and storage, reinforcing hydropower’s value in stabilizing future power systems.
  • Development of hydropower hybrids and further exploration into their role in grid integration.
  • Enhanced collaboration with Wind TCP to explore cross-technology synergies.
  • Increased emphasis on the valuation of hydropower services, including market-based storage roles, spot and forward pricing, and reservoir level impacts.
  • Dissemination through workshops, webinars, journal articles, and factsheets to share findings and stimulate dialogue within the broader energy community.

For more information on the Task 9 and its work, check out their reports and website here.

30 Energy Experts from 11 European Countries have Gathered to Visit One of Europe’s Most Advanced Pumped Storage Projects Under Development

ETIP HYDROPOWER—with the support of ANDRITZ and VOITH—organised an exclusive site visit to the Kühtai 2 Pumped Storage Power Plant, developed by TIWAG-Tiroler Wasserkraft AG (TIWAG), on 6 June 2025. The visit brought together 30 energy experts from 11 European countries, fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing across the hydropower sector.

Hosted and guided by TIWAG, the visit offered participants direct insight into one of Europe’s most advanced pumped storage hydropower (PSH) projects currently under construction, along with the opportunity to engage with the engineers and specialists leading its development.

Recharging Europe’s Energy System

Electricity storage remains the essential pillar of the energy transition, enabling the integration of variable renewable energy sources, enhancing security of supply and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. In this context, Pumped Storage Hydropower has emerged as a proven, reliable, and large-scale storage solution and will play a key role in securing a sustainable and resilient European energy future. 

With several gigawatts of PSH under construction and tens of gigawatts in the pipeline across Europe, the region is experiencing a revival of investment and innovation in this field. Europe stands not only as a growing PSH market but also as a global hub for hydropower excellence.

"Pumped storage hydropower is essential for grid stability, system flexibility, and the large-scale integration of renewables. Kühtai 2, developed by TIWAG, exemplifies how this proven technology can contribute to Europe’s clean and resilient energy future. 

As a key partner in this flagship project, Voith Hydro contributes with cutting-edge technology, deep expertise and long-standing commitment to collaboration across the industry.”

— Radu Carja, Chief Sales Officer, Voith Hydro

“Thank you to ETIP HYDROPOWER and TIWAG for the opportunity to gain such impressive insights into Europe’s largest dam construction sites. ANDRITZ is supplying two cutting-edge motor generators for this key plant, and ETIP HYDROPOWER is fulfilling its role as a European hub by offering stakeholders access to state-of-the-art technology and valuable exchange.

This project is a crucial building block. Without hydropower and pumped storage, Europe’s energy transition cannot succeed. It’s not just about supply security, but also about using domestic resources, creating European added value, and strengthening know-how.”

— Peter Stettner, ANDRITZ Hydro and Co-Chair of the ETIP HYDROPOWER Governing Board

A Glimpse into the Kühtai 2 project 

Located in Tyrol, Austria, Kühtai 2 is being developed by TIWAG and is part of the expansion of the Sellrain-Silz power plant group. The plant is equipped with two variable-speed pump-turbine units of 95 MW each and full-size frequency converters, making it one of the most advanced flexible generation assets in Europe.

The newly built Kühtai reservoir and the additional natural inflow from the Ötztal and Stubaital valleys will significantly enhance the plant's generation capabilities, allowing it to flexibly store and dispatch renewable electricity on demand.

As Europe advances toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system, projects like Kühtai 2 underline the indispensable role of hydropower and the importance of cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Click here to access to the press release of the visit