Training Workshops

Earth Observation and what it can do for hydropower and dams (Half day)

This half-day workshop will be organized by the European Space Agency Stakeholder Engagement Facility (ESA-SEF). Earth Observation is the gathering of data about the planet’s physical, chemical, and biological systems using remote-sensing technologies, airborne sensors, and ground instruments. The aim is to raise awareness of the various applications of Earth Observation to the fields of hydropower and dams.

After an introduction, three service providers will showcase specific examples, and these are provisionally planned to be: Planetek Italia (focusing on dam safety and predictive O&M); Gecosistema (focusing on hydrology, flood risk and climate); and, WeGAW (focusing on daily high resolution snow water equivalent and streamflow forecasts). EOMAP will discuss sedimentation and water quality. This first part of the session will demonstrate a wider range of operational services, beyond the well known InSAR. After a break, the second part will be interactive discussion on usage of the systems and requirements. There will be facilitated mapping of current EO usage, for areas such as dam and slope deformation, reservoir levels and volumes, sedimentation, water quality, inflow forecasting, climate resilience and environmental compliance.

A structured exercise will follow on user requirements, with participants working in small groups. The workshop will end with a synthesis and conclusion, and it is hoped that participants will leave with a structured overview of current use of EO and any requirements which are not yet met.

The role, benefits and new technology for pumped storage plants (Full day)

This year’s workshop will be a continuation of the well established series of training events on this subject. Many nations around the world are embarking on pumped-storage plants for the first time, in view of their role in stabilizing grid systems in the light of the increasing use of intermittent renewable energy sources.

While the long-term experience of some countries will be shared, where large scale schemes have been operating for many years, there will also be a focus on technical innovation which is rapidly emerging, both for new pumped-storage schemes and for the expansion of existing hydro plants by adding pumped-storage units.

Experts from UN-IHE, consulting practice, research institutes and the manufacturing industry will present lectures, and will then encourage interactive discussion.

The design of small hydro plants (Full day)

Could you design a small hydro plant from scratch? Join us at this Workshop in Bologna and find out

Small hydro may represent only a fraction of global hydro capacity, but it remains one of the most versatile and impactful renewable energy solutions available today. From remote communities and industrial sites to water infrastructure and rural electrification projects, small hydro continues to deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity where it is needed most.

This interactive workshop offers an opportunity to discover how a small hydro scheme is conceived, designed, and brought into operation. Engineers, developers, utility professionals, students, or newcomer to the sector will gain a practical understanding of the principles that underpin successful hydro projects.

Led by experienced industry practitioners, the workshop will guide participants through the complete journey of a small hydro scheme, from water intake and hydraulic design to turbine selection, electromechanical equipment, and grid connection. It will be clear why different turbine technologies exist and how the right solution is selected for each site.

A key feature of the workshop apart is its hands-on approach. Working in teams throughout the day, participants will tackle realistic project challenges using real technical data, applying the concepts presented during the sessions with direct support from the speakers. Covering projects from 1 kW to dozens of MW, the workshop combines technical insight, practical experience, and collaborative learning in a dynamic and engaging format. By the end of the day, you will not only understand the key features of small hydro, but also appreciate the opportunities and challenges involved in transforming the energy of water into clean and dependable electricity.

Come prepared to learn, discuss, collaborate, and build. Small hydro is more than technology: it is a proven contributor to the renewable energy transition, and this workshop is a gateway to understanding its potential.