Thematic Workshop: Hydropower in an Economic Perspective

On October 10th, PEN@hydropower hosted Working Group 5 (WG5) Thematic Workshop in Barcelona.

Chaired by Dr. Valbona Karapici from the University of Tirana, the workshop brought together experts and stakeholders to explore how hydropower can help reshape energy markets and drive sustainability across Europe.

A major highlight was the exploration of cross-border electricity trading and hydropower’s potential to seamlessly integrate into Europe’s energy systems. New tools for harmonizing bids and aligning market operations were introduced, emphasizing hydropower’s capability to strengthen a unified energy market. Beyond market integration, participants examined the true value of water resources, the workings of spot markets, and how hydropower can directly support social welfare—underlining hydropower’s role as more than just an energy source but a fundamental contributor to economic resilience and community well-being.

A core takeaway from the day was that hydropower holds far-reaching potential—not only for economic impact but as a central player in the EU’s ambitious climate and carbon neutrality goals by 2050. The workshop reinforced that hydropower, as a reliable and sustainable energy source, will be key to tackling climate challenges in the decades ahead.

Looking forward, WG5’s next steps will focus on developing algorithms to optimize hydropower strategies—tools designed to maximize benefits while balancing risks and costs. These advancements aim to position hydropower as a pillar of Europe’s low-carbon energy future, moving the continent closer to its climate goals.