Hydropower Europe

The objective of the HYDROPOWER project is to provide a forum for all key players in the European hydropower sector (industry, research, policy makers, researchers and end users) and to define a strategic research and innovation agenda.

Challenge
Hydropower remains the largest source of renewable electricity across Europe, generating some 600 TWh of clean electricity in 2017, approximately 12% of Europe’s electricity generation. With more than 30% of the hydropower potential still untapped, this clean energy source has all the characteristics to serve as an excellent catalyst for a successful energy transition.

Solution
HYDROPOWER EUROPE will provide a forum for the entire European hydropower community: industry, research, policy makers, end-users and academia, active along its entire value chain. It will define a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (R&IA) and a Technology Roadmap (TR) that will aim to help and guide funding authorities, and in particular the European Commission, to prioritise support where it is most needed to adapt the sector to the constantly evolving energy system.

Results
HYDROPOWER EUROPE will increase hydropower production through the implementation of new environmentally friendly schemes, adapt and optimise infrastructures and equipment with innovative solutions for the mitigation of environmental impacts, increase storage by increasing existing dams and building new reservoirs, supporting food and water supply, contributing to the Water-Energy-Food NEXUS and to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.