ETIP HYDROPOWER was present at the ICOLD Annual Meeting and Symposium 2026, held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 21 to 28 May 2026. Organised by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), the event is one of the most important international forums for the dam and hydropower community, bringing together engineers, technical experts, policymakers, authorities, researchers, and industry representatives from around the world. The programme included technical sessions, specialised committee meetings, and an exhibition focused on dam design, construction, operation, safety and maintenance, technological innovation, and sustainable water resource management.

The 2026 edition attracted more than 800 delegates, providing a unique platform for international exchange and collaboration across the hydropower and water infrastructure sectors.

Anton Schleiss, coordinator of ETIP Secretariat and Honorary President of ICOLD, participated in the event and highlighted the platform’s latest activities and future priorities. During both the EURCOLD Meeting and the ICOLD General Assembly, he presented the recent outcomes of ETIP HYDROPOWER and outlined the platform’s objectives and planned activities for the 2026–2028 period, with a particular focus on supporting innovation, sustainability, system flexibility, and the strategic role of hydropower in Europe’s energy transition.

Several members of the Governing Board also attended the Annual Meeting and Symposium, including Denis Aelbrecht (Chair), Antonella Frigerio (Vice-Chair), and Sera Lazaridou, reflecting the platform’s active engagement with the international hydropower and dam engineering community.

A particular highlight of the event was the election of Antonella Frigerio as Vice-President of ICOLD, a significant achievement that further strengthens the links between ETIP HYDROPOWER and one of the world's leading organisations dedicated to advancing knowledge and best practices in dams and water infrastructure.

The participation of ETIP HYDROPOWER representatives at ICOLD 2026 provided an excellent opportunity to promote the platform’s work, exchange knowledge with international experts, and contribute to discussions on the future development of hydropower and water infrastructure worldwide.

ETIP HYDROPOWER warmly congratulates Antonella Frigerio on her election as ICOLD Vice-President and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with ICOLD and the wider international community in advancing sustainable and innovative hydropower solutions.