PEN@Hydropower COST Action Meeting in Brussels
Last week, we hosted the latest PEN@Hydropower COST Action meeting, bringing together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders.
Insights on Hydropower’s Evolving Role in Europe’s Energy Landscape
On the 23rd of September, PEN@Hydropower had the pleasure of organising a series of panel discussions centered around the present and future of hydropower. Speakers in the field shared insights on how hydropower can play an even more significant role in supporting Europe’s renewable energy goals, especially as demand for stable and low-carbon energy grows.
The discussions highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing hydropower today:
Adapting Infrastructure: Many of Europe’s hydropower facilities were established decades ago, necessitating modernization to meet today’s technical and environmental standards.
Environmental Sustainability: Hydropower must continue to innovate to balance renewable energy generation with protecting ecosystems.
Energy Storage: As a flexible energy source, hydropower offers a unique solution for energy storage, particularly through pumped-storage technology, which is crucial for managing energy supply variability from wind and solar sources.
Bridging Skill Gaps: Preparing the Next Generation of Hydropower Professionals
A major focus of the meeting was on the future of skills within the hydropower sector. With the industry transforming rapidly, there’s an urgent need to equip the workforce with the skills required to meet these new demands. The discussion explored gaps in the current educational framework and training needs for the next generation of hydropower professionals.
Some of the key points that emerged include:
Innovation in Education: With technology advancing, educational institutions must incorporate the latest developments into their curricula, especially in areas like digitalization, sustainable practices, and data analysis.
Skill Development Initiatives: Industry and academic partnerships can foster more hands-on learning opportunities, giving students the real-world experience needed to tackle current challenges.
Policy Support: Governments and organizations need to support training and skill-building programs, as the industry requires a diverse range of expertise to drive future advancements.
We were honored to have representatives from renowned organizations such as COST Association, the European Commission, ETIP HYDROPOWER, EPFL, Eurelectric, the International Hydropower Association (IHA), and more. Each of these organizations brought a unique perspective, contributing to a well-rounded discussion on hydropower’s role in Europe’s energy transition.
Special thanks go to our speakers—Ralph Stübner, Eduard Doujak, Thomas Schleker, Dirk Hendricks, Elena Vagnoni, Adrian Lindermuth, and Gordon Edge—whose insights enriched our conversations. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Martina Campajola, who skillfully moderated the sessions and kept discussions flowing smoothly.
EERA JP Hydropower Workshop: Showcasing Progress and Innovation
Following the panel discussions, attendees participated in the EERA JP Hydropower workshop. Our Working Group members presented their ongoing projects, showcasing some of the innovative work that’s being done to improve and modernize hydropower technologies. These presentations allowed for further insights into collaborative efforts across Europe to make hydropower even more sustainable and adaptable.
We’ll be sharing session videos and more detailed takeaways in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for further insights into the discussions that took place.