ETIP HYDROPOWER publishes new series of White Papers on two of the most pressing issues for Europe’s clean energy transition
ETIP HYDROPOWER has published a new series of White Papers addressing two of the most pressing issues for Europe’s clean energy transition: power system flexibility and biodiversity protection in hydropower environments. The collection includes one paper on flexibility and three papers on key biodiversity challenges: environmental flows, fish mobility and sediment dynamics.
This work reflects an unprecedented collaborative effort involving more than 30 leading companies and organisations from the hydropower sector, who jointly contributed expertise, data and practical experience to deliver the recommendations.
Hydropower’s Key Role in Flexibility and Storage
The first paper highlights hydropower as a cornerstone of Europe’s future energy system. With the growing share of wind and solar, flexibility needs will increase dramatically, and hydropower (particularly pumped storage) offers unmatched capabilities to balance the grid, store energy and ensure security of supply.
Some of the main insights are:
• Hydropower provides flexibility across all timescales: seconds to months.
• Pumped storage remains the most effective large-scale energy storage solution.
• Calls for stronger R&I investment, stable regulation and fair remuneration for flexibility services.
Link to the paper: https://etip-hydropower.eu/assets/White-Papers/WG1_WHITEPAPER_FINAL.pdf
Biodiversity and Hydropower in Partnership
Three papers have been released on this matter, with 3 different focus:
1. Environmental Flows & Hydropeaking (E-flows)
E-flows are essential to maintain healthy river ecosystems, but they also reduce available water for power generation, making balanced approaches critical.
Key messages:
• E-flows support habitat quality, fish migration and river connectivity.
• Wide differences in methodologies across Europe highlight the need for harmonisation.
• Advanced, science-based methods and long-term monitoring are needed to balance ecological objectives with renewable energy outputs.
Link to the paper: https://etip-hydropower.eu/assets/White-Papers/White%20Paper_E-Flow%20and%20Hydropeaking_FINAL_17.11.pdf
2. Fish Mobility at Hydropower Plants
Ensuring safe fish migration is central to EU environmental policy. This paper reviews solutions for upstream and downstream passage.
Key messages:
• Nature-like fishways, technical fish passes, fish lifts, screens, bypasses and fish-friendly turbines all contribute to improved connectivity.
• Standardised performance criteria and better monitoring technologies are crucial for effective implementation.
• Innovation and digitalisation will play a key role in future fish protection.
Link to the paper: https://etip-hydropower.eu/assets/White-Papers/White%20Paper_FishMobility_FINAL_17.11.pdf
3. Sediment Dynamics
Sediment transport is vital for river morphology, habitat quality and hydropower operation.
Key messages:
• Reservoirs and flow alterations impact sediment continuity, requiring tailored management strategies.
• Techniques such as flushing, sluicing, venting and sediment replenishment can deliver win–win outcomes.
• Europe needs harmonised standards and stronger R&I efforts to address sedimentation challenges and support long-term sustainability.
Link to the paper: https://etip-hydropower.eu/assets/White-Papers/White%20Paper_SedimentDynamics_FINAL_17.11.pdf
Together, these four White Papers reinforce how hydropower can deliver climate-resilient, flexible, renewable energy while supporting healthy rivers and ecosystems.
And the work continues: the next and final White Paper in the series of this year, focused on Climate Change, will be released soon. Stay tuned!
Author: ETIP HYDROPOWER
