Webinar Recap: Hydropower Plant and Battery Coupling: Advantages and Challenges

On 12 December 2024, ETIP HYDROPOWER hosted the webinar titled “Hydropower Plant and Battery Coupling: Advantages and Challenges”. The session, which took place from 15:00 to 16:30 CET, focused on the integration of battery storage technologies with hydropower plants, exploring how this coupling can enhance energy efficiency, operational flexibility, and sustainability.

The webinar featured experts from the field of hydropower and energy storage. Their presentations highlighted the potential of combining hydropower with battery systems to create more resilient and adaptable energy solutions.

Key contributions included:

• Jean-Louis Drommi, Expert Engineer at Electricité de France’s Hydro Engineering Center, presented his work on the electrical aspects of hydro projects, including his involvement in innovations like variable speed solutions, hybrid systems, and improving flexibility in hydropower plants. With over 35 years of experience at EDF, Drommi discussed the technical opportunities and challenges of integrating battery storage into hydropower plants to improve grid stability and efficiency. [ACCESS THE PRESENTATION HERE]
• Eduardo Prieto Araujo, Serra Húnter Associate Professor at the Electrical Engineering Department, UPC, shared his insights on the control of power converters for high-voltage DC (HVdc) applications and the interaction between power electronics and renewable energy systems. Prieto Araujo’s research, which includes the co-founding of eRoots, a spin-off company focused on modern power systems, highlighted how power converters and battery storage can help optimise the operation of hydropower plants, making them more flexible and responsive to fluctuating energy demands. [ACCESS THE PRESENTATION HERE]
• Javier Olarte, Technology Transfer Director at CICenergiGUNE and CEO of Battery Care, brought over 35 years of experience in battery systems and energy storage. Olarte discussed the latest advancements in battery technologies and their potential for integration with hydropower plants, particularly focusing on stationary applications and long-term storage. He also explored the role of battery systems in enhancing the overall performance and sustainability of hydropower plants. 

The webinar highlighted the critical role of innovation and collaboration in advancing hydropower-battery integration. Speakers discussed the benefits of hybrid energy systems, such as improved operational flexibility, the ability to store excess energy, and enhanced capacity to meet peak demand, all while reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.

This session reinforced the growing importance of energy storage technologies in Europe’s clean energy transition, with hydropower and battery coupling offering a promising path toward a more flexible and resilient energy system.

You can rewatch the session on our YouTube channel or via the miniature below: