On 18 September 2024, ETIP HYDROPOWER hosted the "Boosting Hydropower II: Best Practices for Research" webinar series, which provided updates on current developments in hydropower technology. The event, held from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM CET, featured presentations on three EU research projects aimed at improving hydropower’s role in Europe’s energy system, with hundred attendees. 

Mauro Carolli from SINTEF Energy Research presented ReHydro, a project that focuses on the refurbishment and modernization of European hydropower systems. It aims to strengthen the role of hydropower in future power grids while addressing sustainability and climate change challenges.

Staffan Lundström from Luleå University of Technology, Sweden, introduced Store2Hydro, a four-year project funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme. The project explores the integration of reversible pump turbine technology into existing hydropower plants to improve electricity storage capacity.

Clement Van Straaten from ASKEUL presented the RENEWAT project, which focuses on repurposing water mills for renewable energy production. The project involves partners from six EU countries and aims to share knowledge and promote renewable energy initiatives in local communities.

The session also included contributions from Emanuele Quaranta of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and Anton Schleiss from the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), who highlighted ETIP HYDROPOWER’s role in representing the hydropower sector.

This webinar provided an overview of ongoing research efforts to enhance hydropower’s efficiency, sustainability, and integration into Europe’s energy systems.

Stay tuned for the next webinar, which will take place on the 6th of December, presenting three new EU-funded projects in hydropower.

For more information:

Speaker slides: Anton Schleiss (ETIP HYDROPOWER), Emanuele Quaranta (JRC), Mauro Carolli (ReHydro), Staffan Lundström (Store2Hydro), Clement Van Straaten (RENEWAT)

Webinar recording link here. 

#Hydropower #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #EUFunding #EnergyTransition