The International Hydropower Association helped share knowledge on innovations and disruptive technologies in the hydropower sector at a recent World Bank workshop in Washington D.C.

The workshop, convened in April 2018 and co-organised with IHA, brought together hydropower developers, owners, service providers, equipment manufacturers, technical experts and consultants to investigate the benefits and risks of new technological trends.    

Themes under discussion included how innovations can support future energy systems, how digital solutions such as artificial intelligence and blockchain may be relevant to hydropower operations, and the potential impact of technological disruptions on the sector.

“Hydropower, the largest source of renewable energy worldwide, is an integral component of the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems,” said Mathis Rogner, senior analyst at IHA. “However, a disruption in the energy sector translates to a fundamental transformation in how energy is supplied, distributed and used.

“This workshop provided an opportunity to explore the extent of the potential impact of innovative technologies on our current systems with the aim of establishing a better understaning in the context of hydropower.”

The workshop was opened by the World Bank's Senior Director and Head of the Energy and Extractive Industries Global Practice Riccardo Puliti, and its Global Lead for Hydropower and Dams Pravin Karki. IHA was represented by Chief Executive Richard Taylor and Mr Rogner.

A summary report of the workshop, produced by IHA, is available to members only. If you are an IHA member, contact Mathis Rogner at mathis.rogner@hydropower.org to request a copy. If you are not an IHA member and would like to access this exclusive report, please contact external-relations@hydropower.org about membership opportunities.