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The success of the Hidroenergia 2010 congress in Lausanne, Switzerland, demonstrates increased interest in the small hydropower sector

 

Hidroenergia, ESHA's biennal conference, took place last week in Lausanne, where it had been organised jointly by ESHA and MHyLab, the Swiss Mini Hydro Laboratory.

Over 300 participants from 37 countries attended the biennial key event of the Small Hydropower sector, Hidroenergia 2010, on 16-19 June in Lausanne, Switzerland. The debate of the Conference focused on technological innovations and the challenges & trends of Small Hydropower development in Europe and world-wide with the following conclusions:

• There’s a considerable potential left for new Small Hydropower development together with refurbishment and modernization in Europe and world-wide.

• Multipurpose plants (combining energy production with drinking water, waste water treatment and irrigation) together with refurbishment of abandoned sites open up new markets and possibilities for Small Hydropower.

• New technologies, automation and innovations are continuously evolving and needed for the development of the sector – however, as a site-specific technology financing for further research is essential to further improve environmental performance.

• Legal framework and sufficient financial support schemes are necessary for successful SHP development. 

• Complicated administrative and licensing procedures are still key barriers for SHP development.

• The sector is concerned by the non-coordination of the implementation of the two main EU Directives impacting the sector, the Water Framework Directive and the RES Directive aiming at promoting the use of Renewables in the Member States. ESHA calls for further cooperation and coordination to tackle this problem at national level.

• Small Hydropower can significantly help in boosting local economy and employment – local authorities need to be better informed of the benefits and technological advances of the sector.

 

HIDROENERGIA conferences are the biggest and most important event for the small hydropower sector in Europe. Leading experts meet to convey knowledge and best practice experiences to investors and professionals from different areas.

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