Join the ETIP HYDROPOWER general assembly to receive news about our activities, events and research & innovation in hydropower opportunities.
Join Us
Join the ETIP HYDROPOWER general assembly to receive news about our activities, events and research & innovation in hydropower opportunities.
Join Us
ETIP HYDROPOWER plays a central role in fostering innovation and shaping the future policy direction of hydropower research and innovation in Europe. The platform brings together industry, research organisations, policymakers and other stakeholders to provide independent, consensus-based strategic guidance aligned with European energy and climate objectives.
Strategic Role and Objectives
Over the 2026–2028 period, ETIP HYDROPOWER will:
Consolidate and strengthen its position as a recognised, independent European stakeholder network for hydropower
Support the implementation of the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan and its Integrated Roadmap
Provide consensus-based strategic advice to European institutions, SET Plan governance structures and the hydropower sector
Align hydropower research and innovation priorities with evolving EU climate, energy and industrial policies
Ensure long-term organisational sustainability through the transition towards a self-funded platform
To fulfil this role, ETIP HYDROPOWER implements a governance structure that enables structured interaction with the SET Plan and active cooperation with other European Technology and Innovation Platforms (ETIPs) and stakeholder fora. This strengthens coordination across sectors and supports more interconnected European research and innovation activities.
Maintaining and updating a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA)
Coordinating technical working groups addressing key technology and policy priorities
Advising the European Commission and SET Plan governance bodies on research, innovation and policy needs
Facilitating communication and knowledge exchange between industry, research and policymakers
Promoting public awareness of hydropower’s role in Europe’s energy system
Within this framework, the European hydropower community focuses on:
Developing environmentally sustainable, multipurpose hydropower schemes, including unlocking hidden potential within existing infrastructure
Increasing operational flexibility through modernisation and innovative solutions that mitigate environmental impacts
Expanding storage capacity, particularly through optimisation of existing reservoirs
Strengthening pumped storage hydropower and innovative hybrid arrangements with other renewable energy sources and water infrastructure
Beyond technological advancement, ETIP HYDROPOWER supports the Water–Energy–Food Nexus, contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promotes hydropower’s role in both climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Through these coordinated actions, ETIP HYDROPOWER supports a modern, flexible and sustainable hydropower sector fully aligned with Europe’s long-term energy transition and resilience ambitions.
Governance structure of ETIP HYDROPOWER
ETIP HYDROPOWER operates through a structured governance framework designed to ensure transparency, strategic coordination and effective collaboration across the European hydropower community.
General
Assembly
Governing
Board
Secretariat
Scientific Advisory Board
Working Groups
EC and Member States Liaison Group
Select from the sections below to learn more about each role and activity.
ETIP HYDRO 26–28 is the next Coordination & Support Action funded by the European Commission (Grant No: 101264062). The programme started on the 1st of April 2026.
The project team, who form the secretariat for ETIP HYDROPOWER, comprise 7 partners who will be implementing a programme of activities as shown below (Click on WPs for more info):
ETIP Governance, SET Plan Support and ETIPs Collaboration
Supporting Research & Innovation, Unified Messaging & Policy Alignment
Communication & Dissemination
ETIP Sustainability Planning
Project Coordination
Public deliverables from these various activities will be made available via the project website as the work programme proceeds.
HYDROPOWER EUROPE (2018–2022)
Established the Hydropower in Europe Forum (Consultation Platform), developed the Research & Innovation Agenda and prepared the Strategic Industry Roadmap.
ETIP HYDROPOWER (2022–2025)
ETIP HYDROPOWER operates through a structured governance framework designed to ensure transparency, strategic coordination and effective collaboration across the European hydropower community.
ICOLD: International Commission on Large Dams
EUREC: Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres
vgbe: energy e.V.
Zabala Brussels