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.