Brand Description:

The COST Action Hydropower (HP) is a Pan-European network that aims to establish a sustainable and digitalized hydropower sector, contributing to the Clean Energy Transition (CET). With a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange, this network brings together researchers, engineers, scholars, and stakeholders to support sustainable hydropower projects throughout Europe.

Hydropower plays a vital role in Europe, providing safe, low-cost, and clean electricity production. It is one of the largest renewable energy sources, accounting for around 35% of the electricity generated from renewables. As we move towards a future where renewable energy sources will contribute almost 34% to global electricity production, hydropower is expected to provide approximately 50% of this total.

The objective of the COST Action Hydropower is to address the increasing demand for flexibility and dynamics in the energy market due to the rise of volatile wind and solar energy. By leveraging pumped-storage technology, hydropower has the potential to balance renewable energy systems on both short-term and medium to long-term bases.

Through research coordination, the network aims to evaluate the role of hydropower and pumped hydro storage in the power sector, improve the performance and competitiveness of existing and new hydropower plants, develop a holistic assessment for sustainable development, map legislative and market frameworks, and establish a unique knowledge base for the scientific community.

Additionally, the COST Action Hydropower focuses on capacity building by including additional disciplines, fostering career development for early-career investigators, and creating awareness about the importance of hydropower in the energy mix among policymakers and industry.

Join the COST Action Hydropower to be a part of this collaborative effort in driving the Clean Energy Transition and shaping the future of sustainable hydropower. Follow us for updates on our working groups and activities.