UNIFYING THE VOICES OF HYDROPOWER
ETIP HYDROPOWER Highlights Role in Europe’s Sustainable Competitiveness at ENLIT 2024
Matteo Bianciotto, Senior Policy Manager at the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and part of the Secretariat for the ETIP HYDROPOWER project, participated as a speaker at ENLIT’s session titled “ETIPs as Catalysts for EU Sustainable Competitiveness.” The session focused on how European Technology and Innovation Platforms (ETIPs) can channel promising research and innovation (R&I) from academia and industry to the European Commission (EC) to strengthen Europe’s industrial and technological leadership.
The discussion highlighted the importance of identifying technologies that can be manufactured within the EU without relying on critical raw materials, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience, technological sovereignty, and Europe’s overall competitiveness. The session also explored strategies for optimizing ETIPs' role, including effective knowledge transfer, collaboration frameworks, and impact assessment methodologies. Insights were shared across key sectors like energy storage, wind, hydropower, photovoltaics (PV), and concentrated solar thermal (CST).
Key Points from Matteo Bianciotto’s Remarks:
Bianciotto emphasized hydropower’s unique role in Europe’s energy transition, presenting it as a sector of strategic importance:
- Europe as a Center of Excellence for Hydropower R&I: Europe is well-positioned to lead research and innovation in hydropower, supported by a robust supply chain based entirely within the EU. He stressed that Europe’s hydropower sector is not dependent on critical raw materials sourced from outside the EU, reinforcing its importance in promoting technological sovereignty.
- Hydropower’s Evolving Role: Hydropower’s traditional role as an energy producer is evolving, with increasing demand for flexibility services in the energy grid. This shift is driving innovation in digitalization, hybridization, and technologies like variable speed turbines and hydraulic short-circuit operations, along with river monitoring systems.
- ETIP HYDROPOWER’s Role: Bianciotto highlighted ETIP HYDROPOWER’s efforts to harmonize research across the sector, optimize resources, and ensure the widespread understanding and maximization of R&I benefits. The Research and Innovation Agenda (RIA) and Strategic Industry Roadmap (SIR) developed by ETIP HYDROPOWER serve as key tools guiding these efforts. The platform has fostered collaboration through thematic webinars, working groups, roundtables, and its annual ETIP HYDROPOWER Day.
- Opportunities in an Aging Fleet: He pointed out that Europe’s aging hydropower fleet presents both opportunities and challenges. With growing demand for storage capacity, new pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) projects and reservoir expansions are underway. These initiatives offer showcase opportunities for EU equipment suppliers, technology providers, consulting firms, and universities to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies.
- Balancing Clean Energy and Environmental Goals: Research and innovation in hydropower are addressing not only technical and operational challenges but also sustainability goals. Bianciotto stressed the need for the sector to balance its role in the clean energy transition with nature restoration targets.
- Remunerating Flexibility: One of the key challenges in unlocking hydropower’s full potential is ensuring that flexibility services are adequately remunerated. Bianciotto noted that this issue has been a focus for ETIP HYDROPOWER, as flexible hydropower plays a critical role in supporting the EU’s energy system.
The session, along with Bianciotto’s insights, underscored the critical role ETIPs like ETIP HYDROPOWER play in advancing Europe’s sustainable competitiveness and technological leadership, while contributing to the EU’s Green Deal and strategic autonomy.
ETIP Hydropower Secretariat Holds Annual Workshop in the Alps and Visits Jotty Hydropower PlantFrom October 7th to 9th, the ETIP Hydropower Secretariat held its annual meeting in the French Alps. The sessions aimed to discuss actions that highlight the importance of sustainable energy solutions and reinforce the role of hydropower in the energy transition. Members exchanged insights in a professional environment, focusing on the technical achievements and future direction of the project. During the meeting, ETIP members explored the next steps for the project, reviewed work packages, addressed challenges and opportunities for a financially sustainable ETIP, and define the architecture of the 2025 Hydropower Day. This annual event is scheduled to take place in Brussels on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Save the date! The 2025 Hydro Day will focus on hydropower's contribution to energy transition, with three sessions planned:
The meeting not only offered the consortium an opportunity to convene, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest developments in hydropower, but also included a site visit to the historic Bioge-Jotty hydropower plant. Photo 1: ETIP secretariat visiting the Bioge Hydropower Plant (Iraia Nuñez, Matteo Bianciotto, Federico Spadaro, Anton Schleiss, Janire Garcia, Andrej Misech, Mark Morris, Tasniem Jawaid, Lee William Estrellado, and Jean-Jacques Fry). The visit was managed by EDF, with a presentation of the hydropower scheme by Sebastien Girardier (Photo 2). The Jotty Hydropower Plant (Photo 3), located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, sits in the scenic Vallée d’Aulps, just above the renowned Gorges du Pont du Diable. The plant, which is situated on the Dranse de Morzine river, plays a significant role in the local energy infrastructure. It generates 98 million kWh of electricity annually using four turbines, powered by the Lac du Jotty reservoir—a 1.1 hm³, 1.5 km-long body of water formed by the Jotty arch dam.
Photo 2: The hydro scheme of La Bioge HPP Photo 3: The Jotty arch dam Courtesy Photo Yvan Tisseyre-OT Vallée d’Aulps During the visit, Samuel Hubert from Hydrostadium provided an introduction to the Jotty dam, which was constructed between 1946 and 1949. The arch dam stands 22.5 meters high and spans 120 meters in length. In 2015, the dam faced a major challenge when a flood with a 200-year return period eroded the banks, uprooted trees, and caused a dense blockage in front of the dam’s bottom gate and gallery (Photo 4). Restoring normal operations required several years of work and innovative solutions. A remote-controlled bulldozer was developed to remove the accumulated sediment, and divers were later brought in to complete the clearing of the conduit (Photo 5). This highlights the ongoing efforts required to maintain and preserve such critical infrastructure. Photo 4: The bottom intake in empty reservoir (left) and the tree jamming (right) Photo 5: The bull dozer and its positioning controlled by computer |
ETIP HYDROPOWER second webinar in EU hydropower R&I projectsOn 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
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Anton Schleiss at the Global Hydropower Day WebinarDuring the Global Hydropower Day, Professor Anton Schleiss, Coordinator of ETIP HYDROPOWER, participated in a webinar organised by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) that discussed the progress and challenges within the hydropower sector. The event brought together experts to share insights on sustainability, operational challenges, and workforce development in hydropower projects. Professor Schleiss presented ETIP HYDROPOWER’s work, focusing on its role in fostering innovation to meet Europe’s hydropower needs and its contribution to the sector's long-term sustainability goals, addressing how the project aim to support the doubling of hydropower capacity by 2050 to meet global net-zero objectives. The webinar also featured discussions on overcoming technical and environmental challenges in hydropower development. Case studies from various regions provided examples of obstacles hydropower projects have encountered, alongside lessons learned that are shaping future development strategies. |
ETIP HYDROPOWER Leadership Participates in ICOLD Annual Meeting and Symposium in New DelhiLast week, members of the ETIP HYDROPOWER Secretariat and Governing Board played a key role at the ICOLD Annual Meeting and Symposium held in New Delhi, India. The event brought together global experts to discuss advancements in dam engineering, climate change, and hydropower. Representing ETIP HYDROPOWER were:
During the event, participants discussed the preparation of a World Declaration on the role of dams and reservoirs in supporting the energy transition and adaptation to climate change. This important declaration will be developed in collaboration with other organizations to highlight the significance of hydropower infrastructure in the global shift to renewable energy and climate resilience. The involvement of ETIP HYDROPOWER in these discussions underscores the organization's commitment to promoting sustainable hydropower solutions and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
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PEN@HYDROPOWER COST ACTION conferenceJoin on 23 September at the Université Libre de Bruxelles for a landmark event hosted by PEN@hydropower COST Action. This hybrid event, accessible both in person and online, will bring together experts and key stakeholders to explore the current and future landscape of hydropower in Europe. Key Discussions:
Special Feature: HydroClip Competition This event promises to be a significant moment for those interested in the future of sustainable energy in Europe. REGISTER:
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WEBINAR: Boosting Hydropower: Best Practices for Research with ReHydro, Store2Hydro and RenewatOn 18 September 2024, from 1:30PM to 3:00PM CET, the latest session in the "Boosting Hydropower: Best Practices for Research" webinar series will present recent advancements in hydropower technology. Organised under the ETIP HYDROPOWER project, this session will highlight three EU research projects. Featured Projects and Presenters:
Additionally, the webinar will feature contributions from Emanuele Quaranta of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and Anton Schleiss from the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), who will represent ETIP HYDROPOWER. This webinar provides an opportunity to learn about the latest research developments in hydropower across Europe. How to Join:Interested participants can register for the webinar HERE. |
ETIP HYDROPOWER Announces the winners of the summer postcard contest and wishes you a great summer holiday!The ETIP HYDROPOWER team is announcing the winners of the Summer Postcard Contest. The contest, which aimed to capture the beauty and power of hydropower through photography, showcased the aesthetic beauty of hydropower. Winning Photographs:
Both winners will have their photos featured on ETIP HYDROPOWER's official postcards and social media channels and will also be used to greet all our members. These will be used to promote the importance of hydropower in achieving a sustainable future. The winning photographs are now available on our social media channels. Follow us to stay updated on our initiatives and to see more inspiring content from the hydropower community. For more information, visit the social media and join the conversation with the hashtags #HydroSummer #HydroPhotoContest.
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SOLAR-HYDRO 2024: Pioneering the Future of Renewable Energy in Juan-les-Pins AntibesOn April 22 and 23, the picturesque town of Juan-les-Pins Antibes hosted SOLAR-HYDRO 2024, an event dedicated to exploring the global potential and progress in solar-hydro power. The conference focused on critical areas such as safety, new technology, environmental aspects, and finance, attracting industry leaders and experts from around the world.
ETIP HYDROPOWER, represented by our esteemed member Jean-Jaques FRY made a significant impact at the event, presenting three key strategies to enhance Floating Solar PV (FPV) deployment in Europe:
During the event, several topics requiring further research and innovation were identified:
To support the final point, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy announced the formation of a working group to develop directives for FPV projects in Switzerland. For a detailed summary of the presentations and discussions, refer to Alison Bartle's article in the International Journal on Hydropower & Dams, Volume 31, Issue 3, pages 76-89. |
Anton Schleiss (ICOLD) Highlights Hydropower’s Role in Energy Transition at 12th East Asian Dam ConferenceAnton Schleiss, a key member of the ETIP HYDROPOWER Coordination team, was invited to deliver a one-hour keynote lecture at the 12th East Asian Dam Conference (EADC). This event was part of the International Symposium on Sustainable Development and Management of Dams and Reservoirs for Future Generations, held on June 3rd, 2024, in Nagoya, Japan. More information about the event can be found here. In his keynote address, titled "The Sustainable Use and Extension of Hydropower Reservoirs is Vital to Ensure the Energy Transition," Schleiss emphasized the critical role that hydropower reservoirs play in Europe. In the second part of his lecture, he highlighted how these reservoirs and dams are essential in mitigating the ongoing energy crisis and how they act as catalysts and enablers for the European Green Deal. Schleiss presented the outcomes of HYDROPOWER EUROPE, showcasing the project's contributions to advancing sustainable hydropower solutions. Additionally, he discussed the ongoing activities of ETIP HYDROPOWER, underscoring the initiative's efforts to promote innovation and collaboration within the hydropower sector. His presentation underscored the necessity of sustainable hydropower development to support the energy transition and ensure a resilient and environmentally friendly energy future for Europe and beyond.
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