International Water Power & Dam Construction weekly newsletter
International Water Power & Dam Construction
IWP&DC provides technical insight behind the news headlines for the global dam construction and hydropower industry
Hydropower Sustainability Alliance launches fund for ESG assessments
The Hydropower Sustainability Alliance has introduced the Hydropower Sustainability ESG Assessment Fund, aimed at assisting hydropower developers and operators in evaluating their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
Seismic surveys begin for expansion to Cruachan pumped storage project
Exploratory ground works have commenced on Ben Cruachan, near Oban, Scotland, for the UK’s first pumped storage scheme in 40 years. Renewable energy company Drax Group is advancing its plans to construct a 600MW underground plant next to its current Cruachan facility. The project involves seismic surveys to gather essential geological data about the rock where the new plant will be located.
Industry leaders call for key policy actions to meet global renewable energy targets
The Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) has issued a new set of policy recommendations aimed at achieving the 2030 renewable energy target established at COP28. This comprehensive action plan outlines the necessary steps to triple renewable energy capacity, a goal set during the COP28 summit in Dubai to align with the 1.5°C climate pathway.
Kidston pumped storage project world’s first to use fully recycled aggregates in concrete, says Holcim
In Queensland, Australia, Holcim is playing a key role in the Kidston pumped storage hydropower project, set to become operational in 2025. Located 280km north-west of Townsville on the site of a decommissioned gold mine, Kidston is the world’s first pumped hydro power project to use 100% recycled aggregates in all its concrete.
Andritz to equip new Silvan hydropower plant in Turkey
ANDRITZ Hydro has been selected by the Turkish water authority Devlet Su İşleri (DSI) to supply electro-mechanical equipment for the new 160 MW Silvan hydropower plant in Turkey.
Gia Schneider confirmed as IHA board member
Gia Schneider, CEO and co-founder of Natel Energy, has been officially appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) for the remainder of the 2023-25 term. Schneider takes over the seat vacated by Herbie Johnson, who joined the United States Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office earlier this year. Schneider will represent North America on the Board alongside Lynn St-Laurent, Strategic Communications Advisor at Hydro Québec.
Report exposes catastrophic impacts of Kakhovka dam destruction
Anew report by Truth Hounds provides a comprehensive analysis of the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine and its devastating impacts. The report, titled “Submerged: A Study of the Destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and its Impacts on Ecosystems, Agrarians, Other Civilians, and International Justice,” examines the environmental, agricultural, and humanitarian consequences of the dam’s destruction.
Federal Government approves plans for Edgar Dam upgrades
The Federal Government has approved Hydro Tasmania’s planned upgrades to Edgar Dam in southwest Tasmania, Australia. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s office confirmed that the Edgar Dam upgrades would not significantly impact the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) or other nationally significant environmental matters, provided the work follows specific guidelines.
World Bank approves $1 billion for Dasu hydropower project
The World Bank has approved an additional $1 billion in funding for Pakistan’s Dasu Hydropower Stage I (DHP I) Project. This funding will enhance hydropower electricity supply, improve socio-economic services for local communities, and strengthen the Water and Power Development Authority’s (WAPDA) ability to plan future hydropower projects.
Minesto and Sev renew PPA for tidal energy plants
Ocean energy developer Minesto and Faroese utility company Sev have renewed and updated their power purchase agreement (PPA), highlighting the importance of tidal energy in the Faroe Islands’ move towards a 100% renewable energy system.
Global hydropower capacity reaches 1412GW in 2023 amid slowing growth
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has published its latest World Hydropower Outlook, revealing a global increase in hydropower capacity by 13.5GW in 2023, bringing the total to 1,412GW. This includes a 6.5GW rise in pumped storage hydropower, which now totals 182GW. Despite these gains, the five-year rolling average indicates a downward trend, posing a risk to meeting global decarbonization targets by 2050.
Digital twin technology enhances efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in hydropower
Our latest article delves into the growing importance of digital twin technology in the hydropower industry. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical systems that enable real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization. They promise to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in various sectors, including water management.
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