Shaping the Future of Hydropower: Highlights from the PEN@Hydropower Event in Naples
The PEN@Hydropower event in Naples brought researchers, industry representatives, policymakers and other stakeholders together for three days of discussion on the future of hydropower in Europe.
Through high-level roundtables and dedicated Working Group sessions, participants explored how hydropower can support a flexible and decarbonised energy system—and what technological, environmental, social and policy conditions will be needed to unlock its full potential.
A backbone for integrated renewable-energy systems
The event opened with a Working Group 4 roundtable examining hydropower’s role in future energy couplings and integrated renewable systems.
József Kádár, Jovan Todorovic and Ayşen Sivrikaya discussed how hydropower can balance variable renewable-energy sources, provide energy storage and strengthen the reliability of electricity systems. The session also considered the social and economic dimensions of hydropower development, including public acceptance and the long-term viability of projects.
A second session, organised through Working Group 1, focused on hydropower’s technical contribution to decarbonised power systems. Massimo Baret and Dogan Gezer presented perspectives on grid stability, system integration and the growing demand for flexibility services as increasing volumes of wind and solar power enter Europe’s energy mix.
Together, the discussions reinforced a central message: hydropower is not simply another renewable-energy source. Its flexibility and storage capabilities can help enable reliable, resilient and increasingly renewable power systems.
Social acceptance and the role of artificial intelligence
The second day placed social acceptance and digitalisation at the centre of the conversation.
Jason Deegan, Ewa Malicka, Berit Köhler and Sergiy Moroz explored how public perceptions, environmental concerns and stakeholder engagement influence the development of hydropower projects. Moderated by Marija Lazarevikj and Egidijus Kasiulis, the roundtable considered how conflicts can be reduced, participation strengthened and energy objectives better aligned with social and environmental expectations.
The discussions highlighted that technically sound projects may still struggle without public trust, transparent communication and meaningful opportunities for affected communities to participate in decision-making.
A dedicated session on artificial intelligence examined how digital tools are already transforming the sector. Rune Schlanbusch and Fabian von Trentini presented applications ranging from weather and river-flow forecasting to sediment modelling, environmental monitoring, predictive maintenance and plant operations.
By improving forecasts, strengthening monitoring and supporting more transparent decision-making, AI can help hydropower operators respond more effectively to changing environmental and operational conditions. However, participants also recognised that technology must support—not replace—inclusive and accountable decision-making.
Developing a shared vision for hydropower
The final day looked towards the sector’s longer-term future.
During a high-level roundtable moderated by Eduard Doujak, Elena Vagnoni, Durk Krol, Pietro Bernardara and Miroslav Petrinić shared their perspectives on hydropower’s place in Europe’s energy transition.
The discussion highlighted its continuing importance as a flexible and reliable backbone of decarbonised energy systems. At the same time, speakers stressed the need to modernise existing infrastructure, strengthen environmental integration and encourage collaboration across the energy, water, environmental and policy communities.
A Working Group 5 workshop complemented this strategic discussion by examining regulatory and policy pathways towards 2030–2050. Iraia Nuñez Aguirre, Rosita Zilli, Pietro Bernardara and Marta Bottini explored policy gaps, environmental and technical challenges, and the recommendations needed to support sustainable hydropower development. The interactive session was moderated by Marija Lazarevikj and incorporated perspectives from participants working across different sectors.
From discussion to coordinated action
Across the three days, one conclusion emerged consistently: unlocking hydropower’s full potential will require more than technological progress.
Europe will also need clear and coherent policy frameworks, modern infrastructure, robust environmental safeguards, transparent data, public participation and stronger coordination among stakeholders.
The Naples event demonstrated the value of bringing different perspectives into the same conversation. By connecting technical expertise with environmental, social and policy considerations, PEN@Hydropower is helping to develop a more integrated vision for the sector—one in which hydropower supports climate neutrality while responding responsibly to the needs of rivers, ecosystems and communities.
Watch the video to revisit the discussions, perspectives and key moments from three days of exchange and collaboration in Naples.
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