Hydro 4 Africa

HYDRO 2024
2024-11-18 - 2024-11-20 | Messe Congress Graz (MCG), Fröhlichgasse 35, Graz, Austria
HYDRO 2024 International Conference and Exhibition will take place at the Messe Congress Graz (MCG), Austria from the 18 - 20 November, 2024

COP side event - Innovations in small hydropower to achieve the SDGs
2024-11-16 13:15 - 14:15 (Asia/Baku) | UNIDO Pavilion, Blue Zone, Pavilion A7, Baku, Azerbaijan
COP29 side event on "Innovations in Small Hydropower to Achieve the SDGs" on November 16th, from 13:15 to 14:15, at the COP29 Azerbaijan, UNIDO Pavilion, Blue Zone, Pavilion A7, Baku Stadium. (Note: Blue Badge Access only.)
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with experts on:
1️⃣ Innovations in Small Hydropower (SHP) Technology
2️⃣Digital Tools & Hybrid Solutions
3️⃣ Pumped Storage & Grid Stability
4️⃣ SHP's Role in Green Hydrogen Production
5️⃣ Rehabilitating Hydropower as a Green Technology
This event brings together industry leaders from UNIDO, International Hydropower Association (IHA), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), HYDROGRID, and International Center on Small Hydro Power (ICSHP) to explore how innovations in SHP are driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8 and 13.

COP side event - How international organisations can advance small hydropower globally
2024-11-15 14:30 - 15:30 (Asia/Baku) | UNIDO Pavilion, Blue Zone, Pavilion A7, Baku, Azerbaijan
This side event focusses on how international organisations can collaborate to support and scale small hydropower globally.

Viennahydro 2024
2024-11-13 - 2024-11-15 | Conference Center of Laxenburg, Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg, A-2361, Austria
22nd International Conference on Hydropower Plants
Which research and innovations are required for the future of hydropower?
It is precisely this exciting question that we want to pursue in the upcoming event with a variety of focus topics. Established industry experts will have their say as well as young colleagues shaping the future of hydropower. Only the comprehensive exchange of ideas guarantees the best answers to this great challenge.

Hydropower Development Course - University of Pretoria
2024-11-11 - 2024-11-13 | University of Pretoria, cnr Lynnwood Road and Roper Street, Hatfield, South Africa
This short course on hydropower development offers a comprehensive overview of the essential principles, technologies, and practices involved in harnessing hydropower as a renewable energy source. It is designed for engineers, policymakers, and environmental scientists interested in sustainable energy solutions. Participants will explore the fundamentals of hydropower, including the hydrological cycle, water flow dynamics, and the mechanics of converting kinetic and potential energy into electricity. The course delves into various types of hydropower systems, such as run-of-the-river, reservoir-based, and pumped storage schemes, highlighting their unique benefits and challenges.
Key components of the curriculum include site assessment, feasibility studies, and the design and optimization of small hydropower plants. Environmental and social impacts, regulatory frameworks, and financial considerations are also examined, ensuring a holistic understanding of project development. Hands-on sessions with simulation tools and case studies of successful hydropower projects provide practical insights and foster problem solving skills. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to evaluate, design, and manage hydropower projects, contributing to sustainable energy development and addressing global energy needs. This course will be presented by a number of local and international speakers with great support from turbine manufacturers and offer industry partners.

ESMAP Report Launch: Unveiling socioeconomic benefits of hydropower energy
2024-09-25 15:00 - 16:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | virtual
Join ESMAP for the launch of their latest report on Hydropower, where they will explore strategies to leverage opportunities for maximizing socioeconomic benefits.
Learn firsthand from the World Bank team behind the Hydropower: Unveiling the Socioeconomic Benefits report outlining key findings and strategies to harness these benefits through policy and planning. Engage with experts from The Philippines, Brazil and Zambia, as they share their experiences, success stories and best practices that can be replicated.
Hydropower projects create new employment opportunities in construction and operation, as well as in industries supporting the hydropower sector. It also contributes to social development by enhancing educational opportunities, fostering skill development and diversification, and introducing new services and infrastructure.
This session welcomes all enthusiasts’ policymakers, industry professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in the socioeconomic impacts of renewable energy projects.

Training course - Small Hydropower Developments - From Planning to Design
2024-09-16 - 2024-09-27 | IHE, Delft, Netherlands
The aim of the course on Small Hydropower Development is to provide theoretical understanding and practical insights into the planning and design of small hydropower plants.

The course is designed for scientists, engineers and water managers involved in small hydropower development and water resources management, or interested in these topics.
Learning objectives

Evaluate the impact of small hydropower plants on the environment and society.
Address the various stages of a small hydropower project cycle, from site location, to design, to cost analysis.
Analyse and create the preliminary design of a small hydropower scheme.

Course content

The aim of the course on 'Small Hydropower Development - From planning to design' is to provide theoretical understanding and practical insights into the planning and designing of small hydropower plants.
After a short introduction to renewable energy, energy needs, hydropower and small hydropower the planning of the plant with site selection and hydropower potential is performed. For the site selection, lectures and exercises on GIS methods and geology input together with energy demand and hydropower potential are given.
Hydrology is an important parameter for successful hydropower potential estimation and successful project development. Therefore, applied hydrology with flow duration curves, statistical hydrology and new data sources for data-scarce areas is introduced. Hydropower potential definition along the river course is defined by available head difference and discharge in the analysed river stretch. Definition of the hydropower potential and selection of the possible hydropower schemes are the first steps in hydropower development.

Small hydropower design deals with all scopes of the plant's structural and hydraulic design. All parts of civil structures (dams, weirs, intakes, power waterways, powerhouses), but also mechanical parts (turbine, hydraulic steel structures) and electrical components (generators, transformers, grid connection, smart grids) are part of the course.
A successful project must be incorporated into the existing environment detecting and minimizing possible negative influences, consequently, the environmental and social impacts of small hydropower are addressed and discussed. For a successful project, adequate financial analysis and presentation of the results in a bank-friendly form are indispensable. The basis of financial analyses and permitting processes are part of this course.

The course is finalized with the presentation of the developed and constructed case studies from different parts of the world. The case studies show different solutions and specific types of problems detected during the development of the small hydropower project. Illustration of the learned topics and also the practical application is shown during the half-day site visit to two hydropower plants in the Netherlands.
Such an integral course gives a full overview of small hydropower planning and design processes, and represents a unique and attractive course for participants from the developing and developed world.

Training course Reservoir Sediment Management for Sustainable Hydropower in Africa
2024-07-22 - 2024-07-27
Sedimentation is a pressing issue that threatens the sustainability of Africa’s reservoirs, impacting hydropower generation and degrading water quality. This poses serious challenges to water resource management and ecological health. Climate change and poor land practices exacerbate the problem, leading to economic and social repercussions such as higher operational costs, reduced energy efficiency, and water scarcity for communities.
Effective strategies are key to mitigating these impacts.
Addressing sedimentation requires a multifaceted approach, involving technical, environmental, and policy measures. By integrating sediment management into the broader context of water resource planning and development, African countries can enhance the resilience and efficiency of their reservoirs, ensuring water and energy security for future generations.
This ICH training will build on preceding efforts to mitigate sedimentation problems by exploring and sharing practical methods and strategies for economically, technically, and environmentally feasible sediment management.
Participants will benefit from shared experiences and best practices from other projects.
The training will take place in Malawi.

Webinar: Unlocking Africa's hydropower potential - A roadmap for better, faster development
2024-07-17 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | virtual
Hydropower currently accounts for 40% of sub-Saharan Africa’s electricity supply, yet a staggering 90% of the continent's potential remains untapped. Nigeria, a leading example, installed the second-highest amount of hydropower globally in 2023.
Join us on 17 July at 11am BST for IHA's webinar, A roadmap for better, faster hydropower development in Africa. This session will delve into recent project commissions, ongoing developments, and provide diverse perspectives from key stakeholders in Africa.
Key Discussion Points

Growing Role of Private Investment and Public-Private Partnerships: Explore how collaboration between private entities and governments is driving progress.
Advancements in Regional Cooperation: Learn about the strides being made in cross-border projects and regional initiatives.
Policy and Market Barriers: Understand the challenges hindering faster development and the policy changes needed to overcome them.
Potential for Modernisation: Discover how upgrading existing infrastructure can expand capacity and enhance efficiency.

Speakers include:

Anton-Louis Olivier, Chair, IHA (moderator)
Engr Lamu Audu, CEO, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited
Liane Girier-Dufournier, Policy Officer, IHA
Moeketsi Thobela, Chief Renewable Energy Specialist, Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) at AfDB
Dia Iya, Head of Communications and Public Relations, Nachtigal Hydro Power Company

Hydrovision International 2024
2024-07-16 - 2024-07-18 | Denver, United States
HYDROVISION International is the premier gathering of global hydro, marine energy, and dams/civil market professionals.
As the largest industry event worldwide, it brings together over 1,200 hydro visionaries from power producers, utilities, consultants, large-scale hydro energy users, and engineering, procurement & construction firms from 50+ countries to connect, learn, and discover new solutions. Our conference & exhibition offers unparalleled education and sourcing opportunities that cater to all aspects of hydropower, including Operations, Maintenance, Civil Works, Dam Safety, Policies, Regulations, Equipment, Technology, Market Trends, and Asset Strategies. Sessions are led by industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators. But that's not all. We offer peer-to-peer networking events that foster professional development and cultivate innovation, to help keep the market momentum flowing.

HydroPOWER Africa: African Hydropower Week
2024-05-15 - 2024-05-16
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) will host two events that are key to progressing sustainable hydropower in Africa in May.
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The company roundtable will gather 10-20 senior representatives of African energy companies with IHA Board members to discuss what can be done to increase hydropower development in sub-Saharan Africa (15 May). A high-level roundtable will gather senior decision-makers from governments, funding institutions and key energy companies to discuss hydropower’s importance in the energy transition (15-16 May).
Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd (MESL) will co-host the Company Roundtable and be a national partner for the High-Level Roundtable. MESL specialises in hydropower generation. The company is the concession of the Kainji Hydro Electric Company, comprising the Kainji hydroelectric plant (760 MW) and the Jebba hydroelectric plant (578.4 MW). Mainstream won the bid to take over the $1.3B Zungeru Power Plant from the federal government, making MESL the largest hydropower company in Africa with above 2,000 MW.
The African Development Bank will co-host the high-level roundtable. It is a multilateral institution whose objective is to contribute to the sustainable economic development and social progress of the African countries. The African Development Bank Group comprises three entities: the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Two of its main priorities are to light up and power Africa, and to industrialise Africa.
Please note, this event is by invite only. To inquire, please email: membership@hydropower.com

Invest in African Energy 2024
2024-05-14 - 2024-05-15 | The Westin Paris – Vendôme, 4 Rue de Castiglione, Paris, 75001, France
Invest in African Energy 2024 holds great promise for both the European and African energy sectors, creating a synergy that paves the way for mutually beneficial opportunities and projects.

Invest in African Energy 2024, (IAE) is an exclusive forum designed to foster collaboration between European investors and African energy markets. With the support of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), the Forum offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts and policymakers from Europe and Africa, creating a pivotal platform to promote local content development and accelerate sustainable energy solutions.
Attendees of Invest in African Energy 2024 will benefit from a full suite of features designed to drive beneficial outcomes such as: two days of engagement sessions, a networking reception, business-to-business matchmaking sessions, investor and country spotlights, and much more. Each of these key features will provide delegates with unparalleled access to new information, experiences, and connections that will help to shape the energy markets in both Europe and Africa.
The forum is an opportunity for European and African delegates to collaborate and discover new avenues for investment, while making a tangible impact on economic diversification, regional integration, employment opportunities, and the electrification of the region.

Hydropower Sustainability Standard certified user training: hydropower funding opportunities in Africa
2024-05-13 - 2024-05-15
A training organised by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance with support from the International Hydropower Association and Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd.

Africa faces the greatest impact from climate change, affecting water resources and energy needs. Despite these challenges, the continent has a wealth of untapped hydropower potential that could provide clean, renewable energy to millions. However, many of the existing hydropower plants are ageing and require modernisation to improve efficiency and sustainability. The Hydropower Sustainability Standard not only guides these improvements but also helps projects to access more funding by meeting international best practices.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES

Learn about the performance requirements of the Standard, including international good and best practices
Understand how the Standard can be used to unlock private sector finance
Develop the expertise needed to conduct thorough sustainability assessments, crucial for Africa's hydropower development

Join us in Abuja to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for advancing hydropower sustainability across projects in Africa's changing landscape.

IHA Small Hydropower webinar
2024-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/London) | virtual
This webinar by the International Hydropower Association will focus on the opportunities and challenges in Africa for small hydropower and lessons learned from around the world.
Small Hydropower (SHP) is a mature and versatile technology, effective for providing access to clean and sustainable electricity both in the developing and developed world, particularly in rural areas.
According to the latest report by UNIDO, the World Small Hydropower Development Report, Africa has huge untapped small hydropower potential.
This webinar aims to:

raise the profile of SHP as a long-lasting, commercially viable and cost-effective clean technology key to enable rural electrification in Africa;
discuss the challenges and opportunities of SHP in Africa, including the role of governments and the private sector;
share lessons learned from other SHP projects around the world.

Confirmed speakers include:
• Lamide Niyi Afuye, Chief Executive Officer at Africa Minigrid Developers Association
• LIU Heng, Dr, Senior Technical Advisor at UNIDO
• Tri Mumpuni, Director of IBEKA and Member of BRIN
• Anton-Louis Olivier, CEO of Serengeti Energy Group and Chair of IHA Board

Register for this webinar here.

Webinar: Powering Africa's future - the role of hydro electricity
2024-04-11 14:00 - 15:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | virtual
Africa has vast potential for hydropower generation, yet millions lack access to reliable electricity. Data from International Energy Agency shows that 600m Africans are energy poor with no access to electricity. This webinar will explore the opportunities and challenges of harnessing hydropower to meet Africa's growing energy needs. Join us as we discuss the latest advancements, environmental considerations, and the role of hydropower in achieving a sustainable energy future for the continent.

Renexpo Interhydro
2024-03-21 - 2024-03-22 | Messezentrum Salzburg GmbH, Am Messezentrum 1, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
The Renexpo Interhydro is regarded as the European industry meeting place for hydropower. It acts as a hub between Eastern and Western Europe. This is where the experts meet. The trade fair shows what contribution hydropower makes to a safe, sustainable, affordable and climate-neutral energy supply. The trade fair offers a necessary European platform for future-oriented products, projects and services of the clean energy source and creates a unique space for practice-oriented exchange and successful networking.

Capacity building training on small hydro power development
2024-03-19 - 2024-03-22 | virtual
UNIDO in collaboration with ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), EAC Centre for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency (EACREEE), International Center on Small Hydro Power (ICSHP), and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The program is designed to enhance the capacities of technical experts, Standards Bureaus, and small hydropower project developers, enabling effective planning, management, and operationalization of small hydropower plants based on UNIDO's technical guidelines.
Join us to:
✔ Gain insights into global SHP challenges.
✔ Explore SHP standards, including ISO/TC339.
✔ Learn about UNIDO’s small hydropower technical guidelines.
✔ Gain insights into site selection, planning, and design for small hydropower development.

Africa Energy Expo
2024-02-20 - 2024-02-22 | Kigali Covention Cenre, Kimihurura Roundabout, Kigali, Rwanda
Africa Energy Expo is the central meeting place for Pan-African public and private networks and international suppliers and investors to meet, trade and set progress in motion.
Supporting COP 27 Africa climate pledges and Africa Power Vision, a continent-wide movement towards achieving reliable and affordable energy access for all; the event gives country stakeholders a chance to reach beyond their borders and collaborate across much-needed energy infrastructure solutions that benefit the whole.

5th Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit
2024-01-31 - 2024-02-01 | Gran Melia Arusha, Simeon Road, Arusha, 1184, Tanzania, United Republic of
Bringing together key stakeholders from the Government, regional public utilities, DFIs, IPPs, financiers and solution providers, the 5th Tanzania Energy Cooperation Summit in Arusha presents an invaluable opportunity for a two-day immersion into proactive and solution-oriented discussions. The summit will explore a broad range of topics, including: successful examples of PPPs in both generation and transmission, the role of DFIs in enhancing credit to accelerate projects, Tanzania's ambitious plans to become a critical regional player through transmission and interconnection projects, as well as exploring the factors needed for Tanzania to reach its total renewable energy potential.

Renewable Energy Conference & EXPO Uganda 2023
2023-11-16 - 2023-11-18 | Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, 1049 Wavamunno Rd, Kampala, Uganda
The 3rd annual Renewable Energy Conference and EXPO 2023 (REC23 & EXPO), organized through the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) will bring together thousands of stakeholders from academia, industry, government, development partners, civil society organizations and the general public to share experiences, lessons learnt and best practices/approaches for tackling the energy sector challenges and to foster renewable energy and energy efficiency adoption in Uganda.
The REC23 & EXPO will feature a conference, several side events and exhibitions of renewable energy innovations, businesses & technologies.

New Approach: Small Hydropower Technical Services for Sustainable Energy in Developing Regions
2023-11-02 16:30 - 18:00 (Europe/Vienna) | Hofburg Conference Centre, Heldenplatz, Wien, 1010, Austria
Side event of the International Vienna Energy & Climate Forum in Vienna.

Launch of the World Small Hydropower Development Report 2022
2023-11-02 11:30 - 13:00 (Europe/Vienna) | Hofburg Conference Centre, Heldenplatz, Wien, 1010, Austria
As part of the International Vienna Energy & Climate Forum, UNIDO will launch the 2022 edition of the World Small Hydropower Development Report.

International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum
2023-11-02 - 2023-11-03 | Hofburg Conference Centre, Heldenplatz, Wien, 1010, Austria
The International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum will gather senior decision-makers, international experts and other stakeholders on 2 and 3 November 2023 at the Hofburg International Centre in Vienna, Austria.
The two-day event takes place at a critical moment for global climate action and sustainable development. Convening only a few weeks before the United Nations Climate Conference COP 28, the Forum will provide insightful impulses and practical solutions to best support the global summit.
Guided by the motto “Progress by Innovation”, the Energy and Climate Forum will delve into key priorities, showcase solutions implemented by Governments, the private sector, academia and various stakeholders from around the world and highlight the action-oriented steps required to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Discussions will focus on means to scale up solutions and address challenges, particularly in Africa.
As part of the Forum Solutions Week, Youth Solution Days on 30 October – 1 November will mobilize the unprecedented power of young women and men to use innovative technologies and drive the energy transition forward by building their skills and competences. Clean Technology Days will highlight cleantech innovation solutions and champion cleantech entrepreneurship.
Two specific small hydropower sessions will be held:
1) New Approach: Small Hydropower Technical Services for Sustainable Energy in Developing Regions (UNIDO)," which is scheduled for the 2nd of November, from 5 pm to 6 pm
2) "Launch of the World Small Hydropower Development Report 2022 and thematic publications on gender, youth, and climate" on the 3rd of November, from 9:45 am to 10:45 am

Africa Investment Exchange: Power & Renewables 2023
2023-11-01 - 2023-11-02 | Royal Society of Arts (RSA House), 8 John Adam Street, London, WC2N 6EZ, United Kingdom
AIX was set up in 2014 to establish an enduring dialogue for investors and energy industry professionals, with the aim of stimulating business engagement and long- term partnerships.
Alongside our usual lively mix of panel discussions, held, as ever under the Chatham House Rule, our 2023 programme also includes an afternoon of roundtables focused on Matching finance and projects.
We hope they prove to be a useful addition to the AIX format, which is known for its robust debate and knowledge-led approach.
Africa’s evolving power network also assumes a greater significance in this year’s programme with sessions focusing on linking power markets, the future of wheeling, financing decentralised energy and a data-led discussion on the growth potential of the C&I sector.

2023 World Hydropower Congress
2023-10-31 - 2023-11-02 | Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Kawasan Terpadu ITDC NW/1 Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
The 2023 World Hydropower Congress, taking place in Bali on 31 October – 2 November, will be a vehicle turning climate ambition into action at the highest level.
Bringing together more than 1,000 decision makers, innovators and experts from industry, governments, finance, civil society, and academia, it will provide a stage for high-level policy statements, recommendations and commitments that will influence the global growth of sustainable hydropower.
What will Congress deliver?
As the leading global event for decision-makers within and outside the hydropower industry, the World Hydropower Congress is more than just a platform for discussion. Its deliverables in 2023 will include:

Reaching consensus on policy and finance recommendations for advancing the clean energy transition to deliver COP28
Breaking down barriers to the development of renewables by advancing policy and investment-driven solutions
Demonstrating how complementary renewable technologies can be harnessed to fast-track the shift away from coal
Highlighting the immense untapped hydropower potential that exists in many regions of the world, particularly Asia and Africa
Business and networking opportunities for industry.
