Hydro 4 Africa

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.

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

Webinar: The evolving role of hydropower in the energy system
2025-03-20 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | virtual
Join the ESMAP Hydropower Webinar Series to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in hydropower development.

As the transition towards sustainable energy accelerates, hydropower is increasingly recognized as a key energy source that enhances power system flexibility, reliability, and resilience. With the growing share of variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the need for dispatchable energy to balance power systems has never been greater.

During this first webinar, you will learn about the evolving role of hydropower in power systems and how it is transitioning from a conventional energy generation role to a critical provider of flexibility and balancing services for modern power systems. You will discover the best strategies for hydropower development, explore case studies and practical solutions, examine market trends, and investigate innovative financial approaches.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion and be part of the conversation on shaping the future of hydropower in the energy transition.

Opening Remarks

Bente Brunes
Klaus Jorde

Senior Energy Specialist, ESMAP, World Bank
Executive Committee, Secretary of IEA Hydro and Director at KJ Consulting

Speakers

Linn Emelie Schäffer
Elena Vagnoni
Kateryna Kyemele

Research Scientist
SINTEF Energy Research Norway
Head of Projects Group Hydraulic Machines
EPFL
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
Switzerland
Acting General Manager
of Strategy
Hydro Tasmania
Australia

Women in Sustainable Hydropower (WISH) webinar
2025-04-15 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | virtual
First webinar offered by Women in Sustainable Hydropower (WISH) network. 💧 ♀️
Four panellists will be speaking about the topic of: “Women’s Mentorship Experiences and Successes.” In this session, four panellists will share their personal mentorship journeys, emphasising the significant impact that mentoring has had on their professional and personal development.
Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM EDT
WISH was founded in 2024 as an informal network of women's organizations dedicated to providing a platform for women in the hydropower sector and related business fields.

Webinar: hydropower's role as a provider of flexibility and storage
2025-04-29 15:00 - 16:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | virtual
Join the ESMAP Hydropower Webinar Series, launched in March 2025, to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in hydropower development.
As the transition towards sustainable energy accelerates, hydropower is increasingly recognized as a key energy source that enhances power system flexibility, reliability, and resilience. With the growing share of variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the need for dispatchable energy to balance power systems has never been greater.
In this second webinar, we will explore hydropower's role as a provider of flexibility and storage, from sub-seconds to inter-annual periods, in integrating wind and solar energy. High shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) can lead to instability and unreliability in power systems. Effectively managing surplus and deficit electricity from VRE sources is crucial for minimizing impacts on the power system, improving energy security, and preventing blackouts and increased economic costs.
Don’t miss this insightful discussion and be part of the conversation on shaping the future of hydropower in the energy transition.

The event will open with welcoming remarks from Bente Brunes, Senior Energy Specialist at ESMAP, World Bank, followed by presentations from Abhishek Somani, Senior Economist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Rebecca Ellis, Senior Energy Policy Manager at the International Hydropower Association (IHA).

Webinar: Reducing operational effort for cascade management with digital technology
2025-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/Amsterdam) | virtual
Join HydroGrid for a live, hands-on session with Dalane, where they will discuss and show how digital technology has streamlined cascade management across an entire hydro portfolio. The webinar will delve into how the integration of KraftSCADA and HYDROGRID Insight enabled intelligent automation, improved decision-making, and saved time in daily operations.
This webinar will cover:
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✅ Reducing operational effort in cascade management with digital technology
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✅ A practical deep dive on Dalane' digital landscape, including KraftSCADA and HYDROGRID Insight
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✅ The role of digitalization and automation in operational efficiency and time saving
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✅ Insights from digitalizing operations across a bigger portfolio: from harmonized portfolio management to individual asset management

Hybrid round-table: How is climate change reshaping hydropower?
2025-05-22 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Amsterdam) | virtual
Join hybrid round table exploring how extreme weather and shifting water patterns are challenging traditional models — and how the sector must adapt.
Featuring experts including Eva Kremere, Technical Expert at UNIDO’s Climate and Technology Partnerships Division, alongside: David Christian Finger, Dr. Manu Seth, Marie-Pierre Gosselin, and Emanuele Quaranta
Moderated by Ritesh Patro
This session is a must-attend for professionals in energy, climate adaptation, water, and infrastructure.

Africa Energy Forum
2025-06-17 - 2025-06-20 | CTICC, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
For the first time in its 27 years, the Africa Energy Forum (aef) is being hosted in Cape Town, South Africa under the enchanting shadow of Table Mountain and in the heart of one of the most active energy development centres in Africa.
Under the theme 'Africa United', aef will also provide a strong platform to bring African stakeholders together with a united voice and declare what Africa wants and needs to the world. This will be the perfect opportunity to amplify the message from aef to the G20 meetings hosted by South Africa this year.
aef 2025 will see the return of the aef Africa Cup Football Tournament. Delegates will be invited to a once in a lifetime opportunity to play a match at the DHL stadium.
Looking into the future, aef is building its legacy with YES! (Youth Energy Summit). To electrify the continent of 1.5 billion people, home to the world's fastest-growing youth population, it is essential to include Africa’s young people in the conversation. With 4,000 youth attending, the support of South Africa's IPP Office and the home-grown success story - Pele Green, YES! will be the biggest and most impactful gathering of youth in the energy sector worldwide!

2025 World Hydropower Outlook - Global Launch
2025-06-25 17:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | virtual
The World Hydropower Outlook, the flagship annual publication by the International Hydropower Association (IHA), tracks and guides global hydropower development in line with net zero targets.
Based on exclusive data from IHA’s global hydropower database, the 2025 edition will provide a comprehensive review of the sector’s progress, investment trends and enabling conditions—highlighting where the world stands and where it needs to go.
The 2025 World Hydropower Outlook will be launched at a high-level global event in London at the EBRD offices in Canary Wharf. This event will bring together senior figures from the diplomatic and financial communities, energy companies and leading experts.
The launch will feature a presentation of the publication’s headline findings, followed by a panel discussion on the key themes—particularly around PSH, investment signals, and storage economics.
This event is co-organised by EBRD, the British Hydropower Association and the Global Renewables Alliance.

AFRICA 2025 - Water storage and hydropower development for Africa
2025-07-08 - 2025-07-10 | Labadi Beach Resort, Number one, La Rd, Accra, Ghana
The objective of the regional conferences for AFRICA, co-hosted by Aqua~Media International and ICOLD, in collaboration with the government of Ghana, is to bring together a group of experts from all parts of the world to focus on issues of specific interest for Africa, in the field of water storage and hydropower development.
Cross-border collaboration for transboundary schemes, challenging sites and climate resilience, as well as capacity building and training, are topics that always feature high on the agenda.
The technical programme will have strong input from ICOLD Officers and National Committees, AUDA-NEPAD, IEA-Hydro, the major international financing institutions, the Volta River Authority and Bui Power Authority.
International delegates and accompanying persons will meet in beautiful surroundings, for three days of sessions, preceded by workshops and training seminars, and followed by tours to hydro schemes. There will be plenty of additional networking opportunities, and cultural excursions.

Hydrovision 2025
2025-07-15 - 2025-07-17 | Mineapolis, Minneapolis, United States
HYDROVISION International® stands as the foremost global assembly of hydropower and dams/civil market experts. As the leading event of its kind globally, it brings together more than 1,200 hydro enthusiasts, including power producers, utilities, consultants, major hydro energy users, and engineering, procurement & construction companies, hailing from over 50 countries. This event serves as a nexus for connection, knowledge acquisition, and the exploration of novel solutions. Our conference and exhibit provide an unparalleled platform for learning and procurement that addresses every facet of hydropower, spanning Operations and Maintenance, Environmental Issues and Water Management, Equipment and Technology, Industry Trends and Analysis, and New Development. The sessions are helmed by industry luminaries, visionaries, and trailblazers. Yet, our offerings extend beyond this, featuring peer-to-peer networking opportunities designed to nurture professional growth and drive innovation, ensuring the sustained vigor of the market.

training course: Reservoir sediment management for sustainable hydropower in Africa
2025-07-21 - 2025-07-25 | not disclosed, Malawi
A hands-on training program addressing one of the most critical challenges facing African hydropower facilities: Reservoir Sedimentation.
African hydropower facilities are losing significant storage capacity annually to sedimentation - a silent but relentless challenge that directly impacts generation capacity, increases maintenance costs, and shortens infrastructure lifespan.
Is sediment build-up threatening your reservoir's capacity? You're not alone.
Join the ICH for their practical, hands-on field-based training where you'll:
- Get your hands dirty with real sediment measurement techniques in the field
- Work with analysis approaches suitable for limited data contexts
- Explore cost-effective strategies applicable to African conditions
- Understand climate change impacts on sedimentation patterns
- Connect with colleagues facing similar challenges

Application deadline: 26 May 2025
More information here.

3rd International Conference on Sustainability in Hydropower
2025-09-02 - 2025-09-05 | BOKU university, Gregor Mendel Strasse 33, Wien, 1180, Austria
The conference aims to:

Promote sustainable hydropower practices by showcasing innovative examples of hydropower designed to support freshwater ecology.
Address global sustainability challenges and governance strategies by focusing on actionable solutions for sustainable hydropower, also in the context of challenges for developing countries.
Foster collaboration across sectors by encouraging interdisciplinary networking to address hydropower’s role in combating complex challenges related to climate change and energy supply security while safeguarding the natural environment.

Keynotes and session
The high-level keynotes and sessions, held from 2-4 September, will show best practices management approaches and cutting-edge research to strengthen governance for sustainability, focusing also on regulatory impacts on hydropower management and river restoration.

Field trips
Choose from a variety of exciting fieldtrips in and around Vienna, such as boating in the National Park, visiting a swimming in-situ fish conservation boat or seeing unique large-scale restoration measures, or take an overnight trip to flagship hydropower facilities in the Austrian Alps.

Social program
SUSHP 2025 promotes international networking, connecting researchers, practitioners, stakeholders, and governmental authorities in the heart of Europe. They offer an exciting social program, including an entertaining welcome event, a conference dinner in a traditional Viennese wine tavern, and opportunities for guided city tours.

International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower
2025-09-09 - 2025-09-10 | UNESCO House, 125, Avenue de Suffren, Paris, France
In 2025, the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower will be the culmination of a year-long campaign on pumped storage to accelerate action on the unsung hero of the energy transition. The government-led Forum will include a two-day global event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 9-10 September. This event will bring world leaders and experts together to develop the policies and practices needed to unlock the development of this essential technology.
Welcoming Heads of State, Ministers, CEOs, banks, Intergovernmental Organisations, and other key industry stakeholders from around the world this must attend event is the route to resolving how the world will achieve 1,500 GW of storage capacity by 2030.

International Hydropower Seminar Series – Course 1
2025-09-15 18:00 - 19:30 (Africa/Johannesburg) | virtual
A) Principles of Hydropower Energy Conversion
B) Hydropower Plant Layouts
C) Dam Types
D) Hydropower Turbines

HYDRO 2025
2025-10-22 - 2025-10-24 | Helexpo, St. Egnatia 154, Thessaloniki, 546 36, Greece
The elegant port city of Thessaloniki, overlooking the Aegean Sea, will be a perfect venue for HYDRO 2025, in a country entering a new era of hydropower and dam development. Both conventional new hydro schemes, and a number of pumped-storage projects, are planned in Greece, as well as some project upgrades.
The theme of the conference is "Partnering for Global Solutions".

Webinar: *HydroTalk #1* by Ugandan hydropower association
2025-11-13 20:00 - 21:00 (Africa/Nairobi) | virtual
The HydroPower Association of Uganda will have their inaugural HydroTalk on Thursday November 13th.
Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the CEO of ERA_Uganda, will be their guest.

Join the event via Video call link at https://meet.google.com/pdh-xxwf-fby

Zimbabwe - Zambia Energy Projects Summit
2025-11-26 - 2025-11-28 | Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Livingstone Resort, Confluence of the Maramba River and Mosi-Oa Tunya Road, Livingston, 10101, Zambia
Under the theme 'Mines and Energy: How Stakeholders have Fast-Tracked Private Sector Projects to Become Africa's Top Investment Destination,' Zim-Zam will bring together senior representatives from ministries, utilities, regulators, investors, and developers.

The conference includes a session on the 'The Future of Hydro in the Time of Climate Change' at which, a/o, Memory Mashingaidze will be speaking on the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Project.

XIX World Water Congress
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-05 | PICKALBATROS Hôtel Du Golf, Circuit de la Palmeraie 1, Marrakech, 40000, Morocco
The XIX World Water Congress, co-organised by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Ministry of Equipment and Water of Morocco, will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, from December 1 to 5, 2025. Under the theme “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation,” this prestigious global event will bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives to exchange knowledge, showcase groundbreaking research, and develop actionable solutions. Together, participants will address the growing complexities of global water governance, security, and sustainability in the face of unprecedented global challenges.
WATER IN A CHANGING WORLD: INNOVATION AND ADAPTATION

The overarching theme of the Congress focuses on addressing the dynamic interconnections linking water,
natural ecosystems, energy, agriculture and other human activities during a time of global challenges such
as climate change, humanitarian and environmental crises.

Webinar: Back to Basics - Pumped Storage Hydropower from design to performance
2026-01-27 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | virtual
Join the ESMAP webinar to explore webinar exploring the design and performance of pumped storage hydropower (PSH). In collaboration with the International Hydropower Association, we will bring together expert speakers to discuss the role of PSH in modern power systems. The session will provide perspectives on how PSH contributes to system reliability and flexibility, the range of energy services it can provide, and why PSH is increasingly relevant for modern power system planning.
Participants will gain insight into how PSH plants are designed and operated to meet defined performance requirements, the technical and operational choices that shape those outcomes, and how plant capabilities are translated into balancing and other services in real-world operation. Speakers will draw on practical project experience to examine how design and operational decisions translate into power system flexibility and value. Join us to better understand how pumped storage hydropower can be designed and operated to meet evolving power system needs.

Webinar - Alto Malema project in Mozambique
2026-02-20 16:00 - 16:30 (Africa/Johannesburg) | virtual
Join the webinar on the Alto Malema Hydropower Project — a large-scale renewable energy development in Mozambique’s Zambezia and Nampula provinces.
The project combines 70 MW hydropower with 29 MW solar, with future plans for pumped hydro storage and floating solar, enabling reliable, carbon-free electricity and long-term regional growth. Developed by Dynamis and partners, with technical design by Zutari and engagement from national authorities and local stakeholders, Alto Malema targets strong ESG performance and direct contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Webinar: small hydro in waste water treatment infrastructure
2026-02-23 10:30 - 12:30 (Africa/Johannesburg) | virtual
Balancing services, flexibility, and just climate responses for water utilities and industry
South Africa’s water and wastewater infrastructure is energy-intensive yet it holds significant untapped renewable energy potential.
With more than 850 wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) across the country, micro and small hydropower systems present a practical opportunity to:
🔹 Reduce operational energy costs
🔹 Improve service resilience amid load shedding
🔹 Lower carbon emissions
🔹 Contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition
This upcoming webinar introduces a project demonstrating the operational integration of micro hydropower at WWTWs, with strong replication potential across the agriculture and mining sectors.
Speakers include:
• Mr Nico van Blerk – ERWAT
• Prof Marco van Dijk – University of Pretoria
• Dr Chantal R-Kotze – Partnering for Impact (PFI)
• Dr Tshepang Mosiea – Department of Science, Technology & Innovation (DSTI)
Technology innovators:
Bluecap Hydro (Netherlands)
WD Power (South Africa)
EasyHydro (Ireland)
This initiative builds on foundational work by the University of Pretoria and the Water Research Commission, including the South African Hydropower Atlas and conduit hydropower developments. The focus is clear: moving from research to scalable implementation through practical case studies, procurement frameworks, and stakeholder engagement models.

Webinar: EIB hydropower sector market outreach
2026-04-16 14:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Paris) | virtual
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is pleased to invite industry stakeholders to a dedicated Hydropower Sector Market Outreach Webinar.
This event aims to present upcoming EIB‑financed hydropower projects across Africa, the Eastern Neighbourhood, the Western Balkans and Asia.
Participants will hear from European Investment Bank (EIB) experts on the hydropower project pipeline, expected tendering timelines, and evolving procurement and sustainability requirements, followed by a structured discussion and Q&A to gather industry feedback on procurement approaches, project structuring and market conditions.
The webinar forms part of European Investment Bank (EIB) ‘s early market engagement efforts to support competitive, high‑quality and sustainable hydropower investments.
𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮
➡️ 14:00-14:30: Welcome remarks and EIB Procurement Office Presentation
➡️ 14:30-15:30: Sector presentation. Overview of hydropower sector with EIB lending figures and EIB priorities in the sector + Presentation on EIB financed Hydropower operations (with the contract packages under the projects, expected tendering timelines)
➡️ 15:30-16:30: Q&A and feedback session

Mulungushi Dam centenary
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-02 | Mulungushi Boat Club, 8R28+XM, Mulungushi, Zambia
On May 1st and 2nd, the Zambian hydropower station Mulungushi Dam will turn 100 years of age. The hydropower station is the oldest still operational hydropower station in Africa, commissioned in 1925 by the Broken Hill Development Company, then owned by Anglo American.

2027 World Hydropower Congress
2027-04-06 - 2027-04-08
The next World Hydropower Congress will be held in Sydney, Australia, following a successful bid led by Business Events Sydney. It will be hosted on 6 – 8 April 2027.
The Congress is the sector’s flagship global gathering, bringing together leaders from government, finance, industry and civil society to shape policies and solutions for sustainable hydropower and the journey to net zero. It has a legacy of shaping global hydropower policy and practice, with past editions hosted in Bali, Costa Rica, France, Ethiopia, China, Malaysia, Brazil, Iceland and Turkey.
Australia’s selection underscores its growing leadership in clean energy and hydropower development. The Congress will be particularly significant for New South Wales (NSW), aligning with Investment NSW’s Trade and Investment Strategy – Net Zero & Energy Transition and the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, which is transforming the state’s energy system to deliver affordable, clean and reliable power.
NSW is already home to ambitious renewable energy projects. Snowy 2.0, the largest renewable energy and pumped storage project in the southern hemisphere, is scheduled for delivery in 2027 – the same year Sydney welcomes the world to the Congress.
The 2027 World Hydropower Congress will shine an international spotlight on Australia’s innovation, expertise, and commitment to a renewable future – and provide a unique opportunity to advance the global hydropower agenda at a pivotal moment for the energy transition.
