Hydropower

Ukraine’s national operator Ukrhydroenergo announces an ambitious two-phase reconstruction plan to swiftly restore the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, destroyed during the conflict, at an estimated cost of up to one billion dollars.
Swedish energy developer Minesto confirmed a 25% increase in output from its Dragon 12 tidal system, marking a key step towards commercial deployment in the Faroe Islands.

Axpo launches hydraulic works at Beznau to strengthen its infrastructure until 2052

Axpo will start major works in May around its Beznau hydropower plant to meet the requirements of its new operating permit valid until 2052, including the creation of new ecological habitats.
Norwegian group Orkla announces the sale of its hydropower portfolio through two separate transactions, valuing the assets at NOK 6.1 billion. A strategic decision aimed at streamlining operations and refocusing priorities.
Eastern Kazakhstan plans to construct five hydropower plants with a total capacity of 74.3 MW, consolidating its position as a national leader in hydropower despite challenges related to land allocation.

Adani Group Accelerates Its Global Expansion with 10 GW of Hydroelectric Projects

Adani Group, a leader in renewable energy, plans to develop 10 GW of hydroelectric capacity in several Asian and African countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, Kenya, and Vietnam, to strengthen its green portfolio and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The international technology group ANDRITZ has been selected to upgrade one of the units of Norway's largest run-of-river hydropower plant, Vamma, increasing its capacity by 22% while improving its energy efficiency.
Eco Wave Power and Lian Tat Sign a Historic Agreement to Develop the First Onshore Marine Energy Installation in Asia, Starting with a 100KW Pilot Project in Taiwan.

Uganda launches three hydropower projects on the Nile to strengthen its electricity capacity

Uganda is undertaking the construction of three hydropower plants on the Nile to add 1,632 MW to its electricity capacity while exploring nuclear initiatives to diversify its energy mix in response to growing demand.
EDF and the Groupement d’intérêt public pour la réhabilitation de l’étang de Berre have reached an agreement to optimize the management of freshwater discharges into this Mediterranean lagoon, reducing the risks of suffocation for local fauna and flora.
Uganda boosts its energy capacity with the opening of the Karuma hydropower plant, financed by China to the tune of 1.7 billion dollars, marking a new stage in Sino-Ugandan cooperation.

DRC: Ruzizi power plant cuts output due to plastic waste

Plastic waste accumulating in the turbines of the Ruzizi hydroelectric power station has forced us to cut electricity production by half for South Kivu and neighboring regions.
Tajikistan is imposing electricity restrictions due to dwindling water reserves, disrupting its hydroelectric plants and raising concerns about the country's ability to meet energy demand.
Greece and Cyprus are moving ahead with the Great Sea Interconnector project, aimed at linking Cyprus to mainland Europe via a 1,240 km undersea cable, a key element in the energy integration of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Chile: Statkraft discusses Los Lagos project with indigenous communities

The Los Lagos hydroelectric project in Chile is the subject of discussions between Statkraft and local indigenous groups, amid concerns about the project's social and environmental impact.
The controlled opening of the Lagdo dam in Cameroon is causing concern in Nigeria, although hydrological authorities in both countries are tempering the risk of major flooding.
The Scanlon and Blanchard dam modernization projects in Minnesota illustrate a key initiative to strengthen energy infrastructure. These efforts are aimed at improving the resilience and efficiency of hydroelectric facilities in the face of growing climate challenges.

Hydroelectric crisis in Brazil: Drought and severe economic impact

Brazil's prolonged drought has drastically reduced soil moisture in the main hydroelectric basins, threatening energy production and increasing electricity costs, with economic and inflationary repercussions.
Barrage de Santo Antonio
Kyrgyzstan secures $13.6 million in financing from the World Bank to revise the feasibility study for the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, a key energy project in Central Asia.
BG Titan Group and BB Holding formalize an agreement to develop the 650 MW Tamakoshi 3 hydropower project in Nepal, marking a further step in the expansion of the country's energy infrastructure.
Global hydropower is set to rise sharply in 2024, after a five-year decline, reducing the use of fossil fuels. The main producing regions, such as China, Brazil and the United States, recorded significant increases.
Ørsted and Wavepiston collaborate to optimize offshore energy production in Denmark through the co-location of wind and waves.

USDA Invests $16.6 Million in a Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kentucky

The USDA is financing a 3 MW hydroelectric power plant on the Kentucky River to support rural energy infrastructure.
Hydroélectricité USDA Kentucky
The Balkans risk irreversible damage to their rivers, warns an NGO, due to numerous hydroelectric dam projects.
By 2023, marine renewable energies, dominated by offshore wind power, had generated over 8,300 jobs and doubled their sales, with strong growth in exports.

Uniper invests €250 million in Happurg pumping station

Uniper reactivates the Happurg pumped-storage power plant with a €250 million investment to stabilize Bavaria's energy supply.
Uniper Investit 250 Millions € dans la Centrale de Pompage de Happurg.
Empresas Públicas de Medellín's (EPM) 2.4 GW hydroelectric project, Ituango, has been awarded silver certification by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA), marking a significant recognition of its sustainable environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
Ukrainian hydropower regulator Ukrhydroenergo is committed to restoring 1 GW of generating capacity before winter, and is considering long-term construction projects for a further 2.4 GW.

China Accelerates Hydropower to Reduce Dependence on Coal

Thanks to abundant rainfall, hydroelectric production in China reached a record level in May 2024, reducing the need for coal-fired power plants.
Croissance hydroélectrique en Chine
The Barbados Investment and Development Corporation and Seabased Group have sealed a strategic partnership for the construction of a wave energy park to power BIDC's hydrogen R&D activities.
Minesto and Sev have renewed their power purchase agreement, with prices adjusted to reflect the value of tidal power in the Faroe Islands' energy mix.

Kyrgyzstan applies to IsDB for Kambarata-1 hydropower project

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov proposes that the Islamic Development Bank finance the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric project, a major initiative for the country's energy infrastructure.
Kyrgyzstan sollicite l'IsDB pour le financement du projet hydroélectrique Kambarata-1.
Hydro Tasmania launches modernization of Edgar Dam following federal approval, reinforcing the safety and efficiency of its infrastructure.
Devlet Su İşleri (DSI), the Turkish water authority, has chosen ANDRITZ to supply the electromechanical equipment for the new 160 MW hydroelectric power plant in Silvan, Turkey.

Relaunch of the Luachimo hydroelectric power plant in Angola

The Luachimo hydroelectric power plant in Angola, renovated by China Gezhouba Group Corporation, quadruples its capacity, providing a sustainable solution to growing energy demand.
Relance énergétique Angola Luachimo
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) and CISPDR Corp. sign a memorandum of understanding at the World Water Forum in Bali to promote sustainable river basin management and hydropower sustainability certification in China.
Romania plans to join Serbia in building a third hydroelectric power station on the Danube, an ambitious but controversial project due to its environmental and navigability impacts.

Russia: controversy over the relaunch of the Krapivinskaya hydropower plant

The Krapivinskaya hydropower plant, an unfinished Soviet project, is the subject of controversy as Russia plans to revive it to diversify the economy of the Kemerovo region.
Centrale Hydraulique Russie
The Burmese junta has relaunched a $3.6 billion Chinese-backed hydroelectric dam project, suspended for over ten years due to local opposition.
Africa has almost doubled its hydroelectric development by 2023, but only 10% of its potential is exploited. Accelerating the development of hydropower is crucial to the continent's energy transition.