2nd Training School

Thessaloniki, Greece

Sustainability and Hydropower professionals met in Greece for our second Training School.

The second Training School organized by PEN@Hydropower took place in Thessaloniki, Greece, in May 2024, attracting 19 students from various European countries. This five-day program aimed to enhance knowledge and skills in sustainable hydropower through a blend of lectures, discussions, and practical sessions. Participants were introduced to the COST Association and explored topics such as hydropower flexibility, digitization, and the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. Key activities included site visits to the Hilarion Dam and Polyfytos Dam, where students applied the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol (HSAP) to evaluate the plants' sustainability.

The training provided a comprehensive understanding of sustainability practices in hydropower, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Students benefited from networking opportunities and the chance to work in diverse groups, sharing perspectives and insights. The program concluded with participants gaining valuable knowledge and connections, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

Topics & Activities

Introduction to Hydropower Sustainability Standards

Perspectives and roles in assessments

Site Visit to Hilarion and Polyfos hydropower plant

Dr. Jian-hua Meng, HTWG Hochschule Konstanz

Guest Trainer

Prof. Dr Jian-hua Meng is a senior sustainable hydropower advisor working on sustainable water infrastructure, specifically on hydropower, both at the technical and policy level, and through field support for WWF freshwater programmes. He worked as an engineer and project manager with a consulting group in Germany, planning and implementing water and urban infrastructure projects, river restoration, flood protection, and energy projects. Dr Meng holds a PhD in civil engineering. He is a Professor of water resources management, hydraulic engineering and spatial planning at the University of Applied Sciences in Konstanz / Germany.

Our Trainers