Etip hydropower 2026-2028

Global warming is a major threat in the 21st century. The European Union (EU) is leading the fight with the European Green Deal, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. Solar and wind power are gradually replacing fossil fuels, but their variability requires effective integration into the grid. Europe must enhance storage and flexibility of supply to support this transition. Hydropower already plays a major role here, and this role must be strengthened in future. However, the sector requires significant technical and environmental innovations to contribute effectively and ensure a stable electricity supply.ETIP HYDROPOWER 2026-2028 will foster innovation and help shape future policy direction for hydropower R&I, including hybrid use with other renewable energies. It will also support the Water-Energy-Food NEXUS, contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and aid in mitigating the effects of climate change. The key programme sub-objectives are summarised as follows:O1: Support ETIP HYDROPOWER (the platform) by increasing its role in becoming a recognised independent stakeholder network of hydropower stakeholders across Europe.O2: Support the SET Plan and its implementation.O3: Provide continued consensus-based strategic advice to the SET Plan and the European Hydropower industry.O4: Align the work of the platform with European priorities and the latest EU climate and energy policies.O5: Further develop the sustainability plan for the transition to a self-funded organization.Within these actions the European hydropower industry will have a particular focus on:- new environmentally friendly, multipurpose hydropower schemes including use of hidden potential in existing infrastructure- increased flexibility of generation with innovative solutions for mitigating environmental impacts- increased storage from existing reservoirs- increased flexibility of supply through PSH and innovative arrangements with existing water and other infrastructure