Events Calendar

Euractiv organises policy events (hybrid, virtual, in-person) in Brussels and other European capitals.

Find out more about Euractiv Event Partnerships
Euractiv Events

Media Partnership - Hydropower: a key player of the European energy transition

24-10-2023

Media Partnership - Hydropower: a key player of the European energy transition

Please note that this event took place in person only.


The EU Hydropower Alliance, in collaboration with the European Commission, invites you to a high-level conference on the role of hydropower in the energy transition.

Launched on 4th May 2023, the EU Hydropower Alliance unites the largest hydropower owners and operators with 111.534 MW total installed capacity in Europe. Following a stark energy crisis and in a context of accelerated energy transition this high-level event, hosted by the Alliance in collaboration with the European Commission, will discuss how to leverage hydropower’s strengths in the current and future decarbonized EU energy system.

The event will feature Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson.

Session 1: How to unleash the value of hydropower for the energy transition?

This panel will discuss the role of hydropower in the development of a net-zero economy and its development potential. Panelists will reflect on the value of hydropower in the context of the market design reform and how to reward its key contribution to the EU's security of supply, power system flexibility and integration of renewables, including the provision of large-scale storage.

Five panelists will include a CEO-level representative from the Alliance, policy-maker representatives from the institutions and Member States.

Session 2: Hydropower in a changing climate: balancing environmental and social aspects of hydropower

This panel will debate the co-existence of sustainable hydropower with environment and social activities through best practice cases. In a context of increased drought, changing precipitation patterns and floods, the panel will discuss ways in which hydropower can contribute to mitigate damage from extreme weather conditions by managing water flows and continue to be a reliable source of renewable electricity despite changing water patterns as a weather dependent source.

Four panelists will include a CEO-level representative from the Alliance, policy-makers representatives from the institutions and a NGO-representative.

Organised by: Hydropower Alliance
Media Partner: Euractiv

Location

Sparks Meeting
Rue Ravenstein 60, 1000 Bruxelles

Google Maps >>

Panellists

Mrs Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy
Mrs DG Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Deputy Director-General DG Energy
Mrs Sarah Nelen, Green Deal Advisor, DG Environment
Mr Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric
Mrs Emmanuelle Verger, General manager of EDF Hydro
Mr Xabier Viteri, Managing Director of Iberdrola Renewables
Mr Diogo Leal de Faria, Executive Board Member EDP
Mrs Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, Statkraf's Executive Vice President Nordics
Mr Eddie Rich, CEO, International Hydropower Association (IHA)

Moderator

Dave Keating, Euractiv

Schedule

10:00 AM - 01:00 PM CET

- Introduction from Chair

- Opening session by Kadri Simson

- Lead Presentation by a member of the Hydro Alliance


- Panel #1 “Hydropower’s contribution to the energy transition – reflecting the value of hydropower” (with Q&A)

- Coffee break

- Panel #2 “What role for hydropower in a changing climate? Balancing the environment and social aspects of hydropower” (with Q&A)

- Closing session by a member of the Hydro Alliance

- Moderator Summary and conclusions

- Networking lunch

Contact

Tamara Novel
tamara.novel@euractiv.com

Related article

Europe’s oldest renewables industry wants more attention from Brussels

Europe’s oldest renewables industry wants more attention from Brussels

The EU's biggest hydropower players have gathered to form an alliance and are asking for aid from Brussels as the industry suffers from slow growth due to green concerns and a challenging investment environment.