Hydropower is a key player in the European energy scene and has provided reliable and eco-friendly electricity for decades. As a leading renewable source, it currently contributes about 35% to the region’s renewable energy. However, challenges in hydropower operation, maintenance, and collaboration with other renewable energy sources demand more research and require additional funding opportunities in this sector. Furthermore, there is a clear capacity gap in hydropower and a need to empower young researchers for the evolving energy landscape.
The Pan-European Network for Sustainable Hydropower (PEN@Hydropower) launched in September 2022 and is a European Commission-funded COST Action coordinated by TU Wien. It is the first network to address the complex research challenges associated with hydropower with the aim to build a network of academics and professionals in the field.
Bringing together researchers, engineers, scholars, and stakeholders from industry, policy, and civil society, the network aims to facilitate closer collaboration on projects supporting sustainable hydropower. PEN@Hydropower gathers experts from 38 countries with over 180 participants, working together for the next four years to develop hydropower as a key contributor to the EU clean energy transition.
Work and objectives
PEN@Hydropower is focusing on developing innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to:
- Enhance the sustainability and performance of hydropower technologies.
- Bridge research gaps.
- Train young professionals and researchers on key topics related to hydropower.
Our key initiatives include five research working groups centered on the following topics:
- Frameworks to enhance competitiveness, incorporating technological innovations, digitalisation, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
- Examine EU legislative frameworks, identify policy gaps, and promote a balanced approach to hydropower production and environmental impacts.
- Assess and redefine the role of hydropower and pumped hydro storage in the power sector for 2030-2050, focusing on flexibility, energy storage, and environmental considerations.
- Develop a holistic scientific strategy addressing climate change, flexibility, societal considerations, and the Water-Energy-Food nexus, filling a knowledge gap in the scientific community.
- Holistic assessment and new approaches to support sustainable development and adaptation of the EU hydropower potential
The research working groups will develop material and insights into the future of hydropower research and establish a Wiki page with relevant information sourced from the various groups. Recent activities also include a roundtable event held at the Reykjavik University looking at hydropower’s flexibility within the energy system, as well as a workshop hosted in Vienna on the Water-Energy nexus.
Back to school
PEN@Hydropower also organises training schools to support PhD students and early career investigators to develop their knowledge and extend teamwork in the hydropower field, providing the opportunity for sustainability professionals to increase their exposure and knowledge on topics related to hydropower.
Two training schools hosting over 40 students were recently held in Timisoara, Romania, in May 2023, as part of its capacity-building efforts. A second was held in Thessaloniki, Greece in May 2024. Here the Hydropower Sustainability Standard was introduced to students, emphasising its role in evaluating and enhancing the sustainability of hydropower projects worldwide. The next major training school will be held in Porto, Portugal in September 2024.
Grants can also be provided to researchers to support activities. These include short term scientific missions visiting host organisations in Europe to study specific topics related to hydropower, attending conferences, as well as participation in high-level conferences to present our activities and results.
Other initiatives include the Women in Hydropower which is supporting and mentoring young women working in the field of hydropower. Launched in April 2024, the inaugural cohort of six women has got underway with the goal to achieve gender parity within working group structures by the end of 2026. While leadership levels already demonstrate equality, there remains a disparity within working groups, where female representation hovers around 20-30%.
We also launched a video challenge aimed at the younger generation of students to help raise awareness around hydropower as a renewable energy source.
Become involved in PEN@Hydropower
PEN@Hydropower will continue to host training schools, workshops, and conferences to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration. Our next conference will be held in Brussels on the 23 September 2024.
We encourage readers who are interested in our work to join our network. Opportunities include participating within our working groups, applying to our training schools or to one of our grants.
Dr. Eduard Doujak is the Chair of PEN@Hydropower, and Steven Frigerio is the Science Communication Coordinator.
