Eurelectric and the International Hydropower Association (IHA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on promoting sustainable hydropower development across Europe. This partnership was formalized on Global Hydropower Day and aims to enhance policy and advocacy efforts, focusing on gaining stronger regulatory support for hydropower technologies.
The cooperation between the two organizations will aim to raise the profile of sustainable hydropower within European institutions, highlighting its role in providing flexibility and pumped storage solutions within the energy sector. One of the first initiatives under this partnership will be the International Forum for Pumped Storage Hydropower, set to take place in Paris in September 2025.
IHA CEO Eddie Rich commented on the collaboration, stating: “The clean energy transition cannot be achieved without organisations like ours creating something bigger than the sum of our individual parts. By working together, IHA and Eurelectric can accomplish much more, driving change in areas such as permitting and licencing to facilitate the modernisation of the European hydropower fleet and maximising opportunities for the development of pumped storage across the region.”
Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric, echoed this sentiment, saying: “Hydropower is a crucial resource for Europe’s energy transition and security of supply. We must prioritise refurbishing and upgrading our existing hydropower plants and expand pumped storage capacities. I look forward to collaborating with the IHA to fully unlock hydropower’s potential across Europe.”
The partnership is expected to play a significant role in advancing hydropower technology and supporting Europe’s clean energy goals.
