RENEXPO INTERHYDRO 2018 - Quo vadis hydropower?

Clean Energy package, Water Framework Directive, Energy Union: Actual political development at RENEXPO INTERHYDRO, 29th and 30th November 2018.

Hydropower is a major contributor to generating renewable power in the European Union: more than 50% of the electricity generated from renewable energy sources
comes from hydropower plants. However, hydropower development in EU Member States is often depending on the provisions of the Water Framework Directive. The ongoing evaluation process ofthis EU legislation offers a chance for the European hydropower sector to promote its interests and key demands. Since more than three years, EU Member States and institutions develop and negotiate the so called EU Energy Union which foresees a fundamental transformation of Europe’s energy system towards a system based on renewable energy, energy efficiency and a climate policy. The legislation on the new electricity market design will be finalized by the end of
2018 under the Austrian EU Presidency, entering into force from 2020 onwards. RENEXPO INTERHYDRO, Europe´s trade fair and congress for hydropower on 29th and 30th November in Salzburg, will, as a central hub between Eastern and Western Europe, give an overview about the actual political situation for hydropower.

In order to define common interests and take further steps in improving the market conditions for the hydropower sector, representatives from hydropower associations from individual European countries have chosen to meet for the 3rd time in Salzburg. Objective of this "3rd European Association Meeting" at November 29th is to inform representatives about the political opportunities at EU and national levels, to promote the interests of the European hydropower sector and show what national associations can do to support this.

Dr. Mario Bachhiesl, VGB Power Tech, Dirk Hendricks, European Renewable Energy Federation (EREF) and Martin Schönberg, Eurelectric will inform about joint policy work at EU and national levels with a special focus on the water Framework Directive as well as the Horizon 2020 project Hydropower-Europe and its importance for the hydropower sector. The meeting will not only improve the international networking, but also bring together the large and the small hydropower sector.

At November 30th, the interactive Workshop "Clean Energy Package and its impact on the hydropower sector", organised by the EREF Small Hydropower Chapter, will provide an overview on the new legislation and its impact on the EU hydropower sector, especially on the operation modus of hydropower plants and potential new business models. The revised Renewable Energy Directive and new governance scheme as well as interim results of new European electricity market design will be discussed.

At the trade fair, well known companies will show the whole value chain – all types of turbines, generators, gaskets, pipes and further components of hydropower plants, power plant regulation, project handling, maintenance and plant optimizing, measuring and controlling equipment, as well as power trading and direct marketing.

The event addresses those active in the hydropower field, from trade and industry, authorities and municipalities, politics and science, as well as universities and academic institutions from all over the world. About 125 exhibitors, 500 congress attendees, and 2,500 visitors are expected.