European Renewable Energies Federation (EREF)

Women in hydropower do exist! Tomorrow is International Women's Day, and we would like to pay tribute to honor all women, especially those who are part of the hydropower industry or have a connection to it. We recognize the invaluable contributions of women in the hydropower sector worldwide. Your expertise, passion, and dedication significantly influence the growth and development of the industry, and your role in fostering sustainable and innovative solutions is truly priceless. We warmly invite you all to read the article “Women's perspective in hydropower” written by Brigitte Reitter from Wasserkraft. Frauen. Netzwerk., which was published in the "Energetyka Wodna" 3/2024 issue 👇   #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInIndustry #Hydropower 

We invite you to read the English edition of issue 4/2024 of "Energetyka Wodna"! 📰   You can find a number of interesting publications concerning various themes connected with hydropower. The leading topics of the issue include: - an insight into ice problems on flowing waters, hydropower and hydraulic structures, presented by Wojciech Majewski from Instytut Budownictwa Wodnego Polskiej Akademii Nauk, - a presentation of a modern approach to renewable energy on the Jeżynowa Island from Adam Maik, manager of Brzeg 2 SHP, - a look into hydrotechnical structures – a vade-mecum for non-specialists, provided by Tadeusz Bawolski, a designer specializing in hydrotechnical engineering, - an analysis of the flood in Poland in September 2024 and a new approach to flood protection, delivered by Wojciech Majewski. The remaining, no less interesting articles of this issue concern: - an insight into methods for protecting surfaces against cavitation erosion, presented by Roman Masek, technical director of Belse - Autoryzowany Partner Belzona, - a market overview of domestic and international energy storage trends, provided by Wioleta Smolarczyk and Michał Kubecki from Instytut OZE, - a report on changes in real estate tax and their impact on the hydropower industry, written by Filip Kaplita, legal advisor from GJW Gramza i Wspólnicy Kancelaria Radców Prawnych, - a summary of Polish Hydropower Conference HYDROFORUM, written by Janusz Steller, chairman of the Organizing Committee Polish Hydropower Conferences, - an overview concerning high-efficiency hydropower technologies for high heads, implemented in the IOZE hydro written by Wioleta Smolarczyk, Jarosław Wysocki and Krzysztof Grusiecki, - an idea of hydropower as the key to energy transformation, explained by Bogdan Tkocz, member of the working group for the transformation of the Silesian Voivodeship, - a summary of COP29, the annual UN Climate Change Conference, written by Gemma Regniez MSc, FRSA from International Hydropower Association (IHA). You will also find news written by: Ewa Malicka, Towarzystwo Rozwoju Małych Elektrowni Wodnych, Jacek Stężowski (e-magazyny.pl), PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna, Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska, Państwowe Gospodarstwo Wodne Wody Polskie, Agata Léthel, Polski Komitet Wielkich Zapór (POLCOLD), International Water Power & Dam Construction , CIRE.pl. TB Hydro | Mavel, a.s. | RENPRO | AQUA-Tech Sp. z o. o. | Targi ENEX | Messezentrum Salzburg GmbH | TES VSETIN a.s. | ECOMONDO - ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP | MJ2 Technologies | IOZE hydro | Instytut OZE #hydropower #sustainability #renewableenergy #RES

🚨 Registrations for the BRUSSELS HYDROPOWER DAY are officially OPEN! 🚨 Join us for the hybrid conference happening both in-person at the Le Bouche à Oreille and virtually via live stream! 🌐 Engage with the key stakeholders and decision-makers who are shaping the future of the #hydropower sector in Europe. Registration link here: https://lnkd.in/dPu4aqJh #ETIPHYDROPOWER #WithHydropower #PSHydro #PumpedforHydro

Renewables are driving European Decarbonisation and Competitiveness Today, the European Commission has officially presented its Clean Industrial Deal, coined as “transformational business plan” that unites competitiveness with decarbonisation. In addition, it has published its Action Plan on Affordable Energy. EREF generally welcomes the Commission’s efforts to build on the significant progress achieved under the Green Deal, Fitfor55 and REPowerEU, while adapting to current geopolitical challenges, pursuing strategic autonomy and ensuring affordable green energy across all sectors. EREF emphasises that achieving the envisaged goals of European competitiveness and decarbonisation will require an accelerated transformation to renewables-based energy systems by fully implementing the RED and providing clear pathways beyond 2030. Strong support for SMEs and independent renewable energy producers – the backbone of the energy transition – is vital to driving local job creation, fostering community resilience, and securing Europe’s energy future. We are ready to continue our work. The proposals of the Clean Industrial Deal have sparked constructive debates and offer opportunities for concrete, forward-looking measures to support industry while advancing key objectives of the Green Deal. EREF and its members remain committed to work together with the Commission, co-legislators and stakeholders to shape effective, coherent policies under the Clean Industrial Deal. Our working groups, consisting of national renewable energy experts, are continuing to provide expertise to help drive an accelerated energy transition. Read our earlier press release on the Commission work programme (link in first comment) for further insights. #CleanIndustrialDeal #AffordableEnergy #EnergyTransition #SMEs

Last Friday, EREF has provided its input to the European Commission’s Net-Zero Industry Act Implementing Act on Prequalification and Award Criteria for Renewable Energy Auctions. The inclusion of these criteria is essential for ensuring the security, resilience, and sustainability of our energy systems. However, it is crucial that they do not impose additional burdens on project developers and operators, especially SMEs. Maintaining a level-playing field for all market participants is vital to accelerating the transition towards a renewables-based energy system. This sentiment is echoed in Article 3, which states that non-price criteria should promote the rapid, efficient, and sustainable deployment of renewable energy while avoiding the creation of insurmountable entry barriers and disproportionate costs. Nevertheless, further exemptions are necessary to ensure that SMEs and energy communities not burdened beyond criteria already addressed in the national permitting process. These entities are an indispensable part of our energy transition and should not be subject to excessive burdens. EREF also acknowledges the growing importance of cybersecurity and data security in energy infrastructure, particularly in the current geopolitical landscape. It is important to emphasize that the manufactures should be responsible for providing compliance evidence for such measures, rather than project developers or operators. This will help prevent unfair burden-shifting and avoid creating additional entry barriers to renewable energy auctions. To ensure Europe’s resilience and energy integrity, it should be further reinforced that operational control of installation must remain in the hands of operators established in the EEA, as foreseen in Article 5(1)(d) . Harmonisation of award criteria across Member States is also crucial to avoid fragmentation and unfair competition. The Commission must establish clear and pre-defined timeframes for dependency on third country sources for net zero technologies and ensure that renewable energy project supply chains are not subject to differing procurement requirements. Reducing market entry barriers, while ensuring transparency and sustainability is key to accelerating the adoption of net-zero technologies and advancing the deployment of renewable energy throughout Europe. For more details, read EREF’s full consultation response through the link in the first comment. #NZIA #ImplementingAct #Renewables #Acceleration

📢 Our fourth speaker for the webinar “𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭” is Ingo Ball. Ingo is Senior Project Manager at WIP Renewable Energies and coordinator of the recently finalised HYPOSO project. He contributed to the H2020 Hydropower Europe project, helping finalise the Research & Innovation Agenda #RIA and the Strategic Industry Roadmap #SIR for the European hydropower sector. He was also involved in the RESTOR Hydro project, where he identified over 5,000 historic potential hydropower sites in Germany. Currently, he is working on the EU-funded iAMP-Hydro Project, which aims to enhance the digital operation of existing #hydropower plants 🌊 At the webinar, he will present the HYPOSO project, which supported the European hydropower industry while fostering #sustainable development in Africa and Latin America. The project combined market analyses, GIS mapping of untapped hydropower potential, assessments of #political and #financial frameworks, and capacity-building training for young #hydropower professionals in Bolivia, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uganda. HYPOSO also developed 15 business case studies, serving as #blueprints for future projects. By connecting European and local stakeholders, the project helped create new opportunities for the European hydropower sector and provided valuable tools that remain accessible for industry use. 📝 Register here: https://lnkd.in/d2DHYDHa #hydropower #research #webinar #FITHydro #XFLEXHYDRO #HYPOSO #cleanenergy #renewables #boostinghydropower

A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Energy Transition – The EU Must Deliver in 2025 and Beyond Today, the European Commission presented its 2025 Work Programme, outlining key initiatives for the year ahead. EREF welcomes the continued focus on renewables, competitiveness, and energy security but highlights the urgent need for a more ambitious, simplified, and accelerated energy transition to secure Europe’s leadership in the global energy transition. 📌 Key priorities for 2025: ✅ The announcement of the Affordable Energy Action Plan, Competitiveness Coordination Tool, and Clean Industrial Deal are important steps, but greater emphasis on SMEs and independent renewable energy producers is crucial. They are the backbone of the energy transition, yet the Work Programme mentions SMEs only twice, primarily in the context of reducing reporting burdens. ✅ The 2040 climate target, scheduled for Q1 2025, must be followed by ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency targets. Replacing or diluting these with “low-carbon” alternatives risks undermining decarbonisation, slowing innovation, and weakening Europe’s long-term competitiveness and autonomy. ✅ A strong financial framework is essential to meet the EU’s long-term decarbonisation objectives. The next MFF, Competitiveness Coordination Tool, and a targeted Competitiveness Fund must mobilise both public and private investments to support Europe’s net-zero transition. EREF remains committed to working with European institutions and stakeholders to forge bold, coherent, and streamlined policies that accelerate the renewable energy transition and ensure a competitive, resilient, and sustainable future for Europe. 🔗 Please find EREF’s full press release linked in the first comment. #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #Competitiveness

A Reviewed Taxonomy to Drive Investment in a Competitive, Renewables-Based Europe EREF has submitted its feedback on the Platform on Sustainable Finance’s recommendations for the Climate Delegated Act, emphasising the need to uphold science-based criteria and regulatory consistency in the EU Taxonomy. In these challenging geopolitical times, the Taxonomy must remain a credible tool to direct investment towards a renewables-based energy system that strengthens Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness. Our feedback highlights key concerns and recommendations, including: ✅ Excluding nuclear and fossil gas, which - according to the Platform’s own 2022 report - fail to meet DNSH criteria and distort the Taxonomy’s purpose ✅ Aligning GHG thresholds for bioenergy and biogas with RED III to ensure a coherent regulatory framework and prevent unnecessary burdens on operators ✅ Recognising the crucial role of bioenergy and biogas in replacing fossil fuels, enhancing Europe’s energy resilience, and substantially reducing emissions ✅ Strengthening sustainability certification to prevent market distortions and ensure robust climate benefits 📄 Read the full contribution in the first comment. 📢 The EU Taxonomy should be a clear and effective tool to channel investments into a truly renewable-based energy system. #Renewables #EUTaxonomy #EnergyTransition

The EU is a signatory of the 2015 Paris Agreement and, together with its Member States, has committed to the international obligation to reach climate neutrality by 2050. However, the current legislation implemented at both EU and national level are insufficient to meet the obligations outlined in the Treaty. As such, EREF firmly suggests that more urgent action is required, namely, the rapid deployment of renewable energy and the immediate phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies and projects. Yesterday, the recent “Feasibility study of an EU Legislative Act banning new fossil fuel projects,” which offers valuable and actionable information, was presented in the European Parliament. EREF strongly believes that evidence such as this one will be key for enabling the green energy transition. This study, authored by EREF Director Prof. Dr. Dörte Fouquet and members of the Greenpeace European Unit, Andrea Carta and Mattia Bosio, presents a clear legal pathway for the EU to ban new fossil fuel projects. In alignment with Article 5 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), such a ban must adhere to the principles of subsidiarity, conferral, and proportionality. This legal analysis provides a robust argument to justify EU-level action on fossil fuel project bans, preventing fragmentation amongst Member States, and highlights the necessity of such bans to align with environmental treaties in international law as well as to protect human rights. Further, to provide a valid legal foundation and precedent for banning new fossil fuels projects, the study references EU Article 192 (1) TFEU and relevant case-law from the Court of Justice of the EU, demonstrating the feasibility of such an endeavour. According to the European Environmental Organization, Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world. Over the last years the continent has witnessed unprecedented weather phenomena ranging from extreme heatwaves to devastating floods. These climate-driven events, if not taken seriously, can have a dramatic impact on food and water security, energy security, and European sovereignty in general. EREF strongly supports the evidence of this Feasibility study suggesting that a critical step in decarbonising Europe’s economy is the implementation of a ban on new fossil fuel projects. Please find the full report in the comment below. #fossilban #energytransition

On January 28-29, EREF was pleased to host its Board and Policy Meeting in Brussels. In the evening, EREF held its traditional Policy Dinner, which serves as a unique platform for open and insightful exchanges, bringing together EREF members as national renewables experts with decision-makers, including MEPs and Commission officials from DG ENER and DG CLIMA. The discussions focused on the future of Europe’s energy transition, with contributions from a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to shaping a climate-friendly, energy-resilient, and competitive Europe. Amid significant geopolitical shifts and an evolving European political landscape, EREF continues to emphasize the need for the rapid deployment of renewables and ambitious energy and climate targets to strengthen European economies. Strong support for SMEs and other independent energy actors will be essential to enhancing Europe’s energy resilience and competitiveness. As the EU prepares to propose major policy initiatives—including the Clean Industrial Deal, the Omnibus simplification package, and the Affordable Energy Action Plan—EREF and its members remain optimistic about the Commission’s next steps in ensuring efficient policies that will further accelerate Europe’s transition to a renewables-based energy system. In this regard, EREF welcomes the confirmation of Teresa Ribera as Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, and Dan Jørgensen as Commissioner for Energy and Housing, recognizing their clear commitment to the energy transition. However, more decisive action is needed, particularly from Member States, to implement crucial provisions of the revised Renewable Energy Directive and Electricity Market Design. Furthermore, the Commission should leverage its competitiveness and decarbonisation agenda to accelerate the deployment of grid and storage infrastructure while phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Special thanks to Previous MEP and Former Luxembourgish Energy Minister Claude Turmes for his invaluable insights during the Policy Meeting and Deputy Director-General for Climate Action Jan Dusík for his compelling speech at the Policy Dinner. We also extend our gratitude to EREF President Martin Bursík, Director Dörte Fouquet Fouquet, and Secretary General Dirk Hendricks for leading the discussions and driving forward EREF’s mission for a green and competitive Europe. #Renewables #EnergyTransition #EREF