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
UK govt launches new scheme to boost renewable energy storage investment
The UK government has announced a new investment support scheme to accelerate the development of long duration electricity storage (LDES) technologies, including pumped storage hydropower. The initiative is aimed at increasing the country’s renewable energy storage capacity and enhancing energy security. By unlocking billions in private investment, the scheme will help develop infrastructure that stores surplus renewable energy for use during periods of high demand.
Eurelectric and IHA partner to boost sustainable hydropower in Europe
Eurelectric and the International Hydropower Association (IHA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on promoting sustainable hydropower development across Europe. This partnership was formalized on Global Hydropower Day and aims to enhance policy and advocacy efforts, focusing on gaining stronger regulatory support for hydropower technologies.
John Ragonese named 2024 Henwood Award winner
John Ragonese has been awarded the 2024 Dr. Kenneth Henwood Award by the National Hydropower Association (NHA). The award recognizes individuals for their long-standing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community in the hydropower industry. Ragonese received the honour from Alvin Thoma, the 2023 award recipient, during the NHA’s Clean Currents Conference and Trade Show in Portland, Oregon.
Argentina plans public tender for sale of majority shares in four major hydropower plants
The government of Argentina is to launch a national and international competitive public tender for the sale of majority shareholding in four significant hydropower plants located in Neuquén, in the country’s eastern region. This move is part of a broader effort to renew the concessions for these critical energy assets and attract private investment into the country’s energy sector. The four hydropower plants involved in the tender process include some of Argentina’s largest and most important renewable energy projects.
ANDRITZ to upgrade unit at Vamma hydropower plant in Norway
ANDRITZ has been selected by Norwegian utility Hafslund to upgrade one of the turbine-generator units at the Vamma hydropower plant, Norway’s largest run-of-river facility. The modernization project will improve the performance of unit 11, increasing its capacity by 22%, from 100MW to 122MW.
President Museveni inaugurates Karuma, Uganda’s largest power plant
President Yoweri Museveni has officially inaugurated the Karuma hydropower plant, Uganda’s largest power generation facility. Located on the Kyoga Nile River, about 270 kilometers north of Kampala, the plant has a capacity of 600MW, generated by six turbines. The new facility, inaugurated on 26 September 2024, boosts Uganda’s power generation capacity from 1400MW to 2000MW, a significant step toward meeting the country’s growing energy needs.
OPEC Fund approves $25 million loan for Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower plant
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) has approved a $25 million loan to support the construction of the Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) in Tajikistan. This loan marks the first tranche of a $100 million financing agreement aimed at bolstering the country’s renewable energy capacity and improving energy security.
Inyanga Marine Energy Group takes over France’s first grid-connected tidal turbine
Inyanga Marine Energy Group has announced its acquisition of the D10 tidal turbine, the first grid-connected tidal turbine in France. Originally deployed in 2015, the turbine is located in the Fromveur Passage off the coast of Brittany and supplies clean energy to the island of Ushant.
CorPower Ocean secures €32 million funding to commercialize wave energy
CorPower Ocean has announced the completion of a €32 million Series B1 funding round aimed at commercializing its wave energy technology. The investment marks the company’s largest single funding to date and supports its efforts to make wave energy a mainstream, bankable energy source.
Unlocking Gulf Coast energy potential with salt dome cavern storage
Cavern Energy Storage is pioneering underground pumped storage hydroelectric technology in the Gulf Coast by utilizing natural salt domes. This innovative approach could provide the region with 50GW of long-duration energy storage, leveraging a resource lying beneath our feet, writes William M Taggart
Spotlight on large dams
IWP&DC puts the spotlight on some of the largest and most significant dam projects completed globally in recent years. Many of these dams are located in developing countries and are aimed at increasing hydroelectric power generation capacity to meet growing energy demands.
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