The HydroES 2025 Symposium on Hydropower and Environmental Sustainability with the theme "Hydropower, Innovation & Resilience" will bring together stakeholders from the water and hydropower sectors on September 17-18, 2025, in Grenoble, France. The event will showcase advancements in technical, scientific, and innovative solutions. ETIP HYDROPOWER will feature a special session during the symposium. Participants are encouraged to present their research, and submissions are welcome until December 13, 2024, via the official website (click here).

Hydropower facilities contribute to the reduction of the impacts of climate change, including extreme events, floods and droughts, which tend to be increasingly exacerbated. It is a local energy, which cannot be relocated, anchored in the territories and its facilities play a key role in the management of water resources for the satisfaction of multiple uses such as drinking water supply, irrigation, navigation, tourism, and in the management of the electricity system through its flexibility. It makes it possible to compensate for the intermittency of other renewable energies and to stabilise the network in the event of the fortuitous unavailability of other means of production.
 
Hydropower must therefore respond to multiple technical, societal and environmental issues and challenges. We must continually innovate to seek the best balance, to reconcile the various uses, to preserve aquatic environments and biodiversity, to adapt to climate change, and putting science, societal services and the living at the heart of the debates.
 
This symposium will be organized in 4 sessions and a technical visit:

 
1. Climate Change (Adaptation & Mitigation):
Pressures on water resources (melting glaciers, water temperature, drought, etc.), resilience strategies in face of extreme events, revision of engineering practices in project design, technological innovation, etc.

2. Energy Transition and Water Resource Management:
Energy efficiency, new hydrometeorological forecasting tools, optimization of water production and resources, flexibility and role of hydropower in the energy mix, reduction of the carbon footprint and role of hydropower (gravity development and WWTP) in the energy transition, marine energies, Reconciling uses and consultation, the solutions of the future, etc.

3. Digital Transformation and Modernization of Operations & Maintenance (O&M):
Evolution of O&M practices (remote control of development chains, plant 4.0, digital twins, etc.), role of new sensors, existing communication protocols for facility monitoring and environmental monitoring, new generation of modeling systems capable of integrating new data sources, artificial intelligence (IA) and Big Data: best practices for operational implementation and decision support.

4. Issues and Challenges of the Hydroelectric Fleet:
Ageing of structures and equipment, sediment management, fish farming continuity, new legal, environmental and social constraints, etc.

Special Technical Visit
The event will conclude with a technical visit on September 19, 2025, allowing up to 40 participants to observe hydropower operations firsthand, providing practical insights into the technologies and strategies discussed during the symposium.

ETIP HYDROPOWER recently held two workshops at the AQUAWATT Conference, an event focused on hydropower’s contribution to renewable energy and climate resilience. AQUAWATT gathers stakeholders from the hydroelectric industry, government, research institutions, and associations to discuss advancements and collaboration opportunities in hydropower.

The first workshop, held on October 29 and titled “The Role of Hydropower in the Energy Transition Process” included presentations from Jean-Jacques Fry on ETIP HYDROPOWER’s current projects, Matteo Bianciotto on the XFLEX HYDRO Project, and Emanuele Quaranta on the importance of pumped hydro storage for renewable energy goals.

The second workshop, “Dams and Reservoirs: Climate Change Adaptation and Public Awareness Strategies”, took place on October 30. Antonella Frigerio provided an overview of ETIP HYDROPOWER’s Working Groups and discussed the impacts of climate change on water and energy security. Emanuele Quaranta spoke on the WEFE (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem) nexus in reservoir management, and Sera Lazaridou highlighted public awareness efforts, including the “Dam Day: Reservoirs for Europe” initiative.

These sessions reflect ETIP HYDROPOWER’s efforts to promote sustainable hydropower and climate adaptation solutions through European-wide knowledge exchange.

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.

From 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:

• Session 1: The value of hydropower in providing flexibility and energy storage in a safe energy transition.
• Session 2: Hydropower and environmental partnerships.
• Session 3: Hydropower and climate change: challenges and opportunities for mitigation.

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

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

Last 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:

• Anton Schleiss, Honorary President of ICOLD and Chairman of the Technical Committee on Hydraulics for Dams.
• Denis Aelbrecht, outgoing Chairman of the Technical Committee on Climate Change.
• Antonella Frigerio, newly elected Chair of the Technical Committee on Computational Aspects of Analysis and Design of Dams.

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.

During 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.

Join 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:

• • Panel 1: "Ambassadors for European Hydropower"
    This session will delve into the challenges and opportunities facing hydropower today, highlighting its evolving role in Europe’s energy transition.
  • Panel 2: "Education and Skills: The Future of Hydropower"
    A forward-looking panel discussing the skills required for the future of the hydropower sector. The conversation will focus on addressing current gaps in education and preparing the next generation of professionals.
    Speakers will include representatives from the European Commission, EERA, COST, TU Wien, Eurelectric, and other notable organisations.

Special Feature: HydroClip Competition
As a highlight, the event will announce the winners of the HydroClip competition, which invited students to creatively depict hydropower through short videos on TikTok and Instagram. These young voices will offer fresh perspectives on the future of hydropower, showcasing innovative contributions from across Europe.

This event promises to be a significant moment for those interested in the future of sustainable energy in Europe.

REGISTER: 

• • • Online: https://tuwien.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5YuceqprzIpH9B1GWl_KFnajz6WgPoEQLq4
    • On-site: https://forms.gle/TbiJsfE7gj5ptgxN7

On 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:

• • ReHydro: Mauro Carolli from SINTEF Energy Research will present ReHydro, a project focused on refurbishing and modernising European hydropower to play a significant role in future power systems. The project prioritises sustainability and addresses societal needs within the context of climate change.
  • Store2Hydro: Staffan Lundström from Luleå University of Technology, Sweden, will introduce Store2Hydro, a four-year initiative funded by the European Commission's Horizon Europe programme. This project aims to optimise electricity storage by integrating reversible pump turbine technology into existing hydropower infrastructures.
  • Renewat: Clement Van Straaten from ASKEUL will present the RENEWAT project, which addresses the cultural and territorial aspects of repurposing water mills for renewable energy. The project involves partners from six EU countries who will share knowledge and support renewable energy initiatives in existing water mills, with the goal of enhancing the skills of local and regional actors.

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.