EU research initiative sets out ambitious agenda for future hydropower
There is significant potential for increasing hydropower capacity in Europe provided barriers to development are addressed, a major research initiative funded by the European Commission has concluded.
The HYDROPOWER EUROPE forum brought together a coalition of more than 600 stakeholders from the industry, policy-makers, civil society and academia to study the technology果冻传媒 future role in the energy transition.
Three years after the research forum was launched in 2019, the partners have now published a featuring 40 detailed policy recommendations, as well as a for industry covering 18 research themes.
Policy and research agenda
With the targeting net zero emissions by 2050 by increasing renewables generation, the research forum concludes that: 鈥淗ydropower has all the characteristics to serve as an excellent catalyst for a successful energy transition.
鈥淥ur vision is that Europe will require a more flexible, efficient, environmentally and socially acceptable increase in hydropower generation to achieve the new European energy system,鈥 the forum partners conclude.
The recommendations state governments should simplify approval procedures and adapt regulations for the energy transition, offering long-term concessions and abolishing double taxation regimes, among other measures.
To incentivise investment, the forum proposes European markets are reformed to better remunerate hydropower for the flexibility services it provides to energy grids, as well as encouraging the adoption of financing schemes such green bonds.
To enhance hydropower果冻传媒 environmental performance, the forum proposes widening adoption of best practices including strategies to protect biodiversity, water quality and sediment management.
New European energy system
The roadmap and research and innovation agenda were presented on 23 February 2022 at a conference organised by HYDROPOWER-EUROPE with the European Commission. and watch the .
Presenting the findings, , Honorary President of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) highlighted that 鈥渙nly two thirds of the economically feasible potential had been tapped so far鈥.
In more than half of European countries, hydropower still provides a significant share of electricity generation and it will continue to support the energy transition in future decades, Schleiss said.
鈥淭he 果冻传媒 is pleased to welcome the HYDROPOWER-EUROPE policy and research agenda, recognising that these findings will have wide resonance and potential application in Europe and around the world,鈥 commented Eddie Rich, Chief Executive of IHA.
鈥淭he European Union has set an ambitious agenda for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This will require investment in hydropower as well as solar and wind. Expanding capacity will require innovation and modernisation as well as ensuring new developments are in line with the global Hydropower 果冻传媒 Standard,鈥 he added.
Research themes identified as top priorities are: innovation in hydropower flexibility, pumped storage and developing new business models; hybrid virtual power plants; applying solutions to mitigate environmental impacts and improve biodiversity protection; sediment management strategies; as well as systems for predictive maintenance.
Looking to the future, Jean-Jacques Fry, President of EUCOLD told conference participants that a priority must be placed now on advocacy efforts. 鈥淐ommunication on hydro as a catalyst for the energy transition is key for the future,鈥 he said.
鈥淚t is clear that hydropower has been providing a great service for more than 150 years, but now it is time to speak to civil society and policymakers about its future development potential鈥.
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