Video Highlights: Ambassadors for European Hydropower
PEN@hydropower COST Action hosted an event at the Université Libre de Bruxelles on the 23rd of September featuring leading experts and stakeholders discussing the current and future landscape of hydropower in Europe. This panel discussion explored the current state of hydropower in Europe as well as the challenges and opportunities within the sector and its evolving role in Europe’s energy landscape.
Competitiveness and Adaptation
Hydropower’s long-standing flexibility and reliability remain essential, but to stay competitive through 2050, the sector must embrace both technical advancements and workforce development. As new research emerges, these innovations will need to be seamlessly integrated into current operations, ensuring hydropower's relevance in a highly renewable energy mix. The industry's future relies on a blend of technical and social adaptation to navigate evolving demands effectively.
Meeting Energy Demand and Grid Stability
With the growing electrification of industries and the rise of electric vehicles, hydropower’s ability to stabilize the grid is invaluable. Alongside wind and solar, hydropower’s storage and flexible operation help meet peak demand and smooth out energy availability. To keep pace, a skilled workforce and continuous technology training are necessary, ensuring the industry can meet the rising demands of an electrified future while maintaining grid reliability.
Flexibility and Climate Resilience
Hydropower’s storage capacity, especially in pumped storage systems, is instrumental in balancing the intermittent nature of other renewables. Additionally, its role in water management provides critical climate adaptation benefits, such as flood control and drought mitigation. This dual function supports both energy stability and climate resilience, highlighting hydropower as a key player in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Valuation of Grid Services
Currently, market structures often undervalue hydropower’s contributions, particularly for services such as flexibility and frequency control. A more equitable revenue model would recognize these essential services, encouraging further investment in hydropower’s unique capabilities and enhancing its role in supporting grid stability.
Policy and Regulatory Needs
Policy support, especially at the national and EU levels, is crucial for integrating hydropower as a foundational component of sustainable energy systems. Effective policies can drive hydropower integration, enabling it to stabilize local grids with minimal additional infrastructure requirements. Regulatory clarity and favorable policies are key to unlocking hydropower’s potential within the broader energy system.
Social Acceptance and Standards
Hydropower faces relatively low social resistance compared to other renewable energy sources, thanks in part to robust environmental and social commitments, such as those demonstrated by the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. These certifications build public trust and validate hydropower’s commitment to sustainable practices, enhancing its acceptance and paving the way for more widespread adoption.
Environmental Legislation and EU Market Position
Hydropower projects within the EU adhere to some of the world’s most stringent sustainability standards, often surpassing environmental requirements seen elsewhere. Multi-purpose installations in particular serve not only energy needs but also contribute to climate and water management goals. These installations offer unique opportunities for expansion within both local and international markets, positioning EU hydropower as a leader in sustainable practices.
Innovation and Financial Support
Programs like Horizon Europe have been instrumental in supporting research and innovation in hydropower, particularly in the areas of flexibility, digitalization, and sustainability. Although funding often favors other renewables, recognition of hydropower’s stabilizing capabilities has secured financial backing, driving further innovation and ensuring its ongoing development in a renewable future.
Social and Financial Engagement
Boosting public perception and achieving balanced funding allocations are vital to hydropower’s future. Community-focused projects illustrate the value of strong local engagement, fostering positive relationships and encouraging acceptance of hydropower initiatives. This community engagement is crucial for improving hydropower’s reputation and ensuring its continued role in meeting energy and environmental goals.
In summary, hydropower’s ability to store energy, stabilize the grid, and contribute to water management makes it a foundational pillar of the renewable energy landscape. The future of hydropower hinges on investment, supportive policy, and public engagement, positioning it to meet the growing demands of a decarbonized, electrified economy. By supporting both energy stability and climate resilience, hydropower can secure its long-term viability as a key component of the global transition to sustainable energy systems.