From the Editor’s Desk |
25 years, still learning
T 4 | April 2026 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
his month I mark 25 years working on International Water Power & Dam Construction. It’s a milestone that feels both substantial and strangely fleeting. I joined as a 23-year- old, fresh-faced and curious,
stepping into an industry that, even then, was defined by ambition, scale, and a quiet sense of permanence. A quarter of a century later, much has changed – yet in many ways, the essence of hydropower remains reassuringly constant When I started, the global energy conversation was very different. Climate change was only beginning to enter mainstream discussion, and hydropower was often talked about more in terms of engineering achievement than environmental necessity. Today, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Hydropower is no longer just a legacy renewable; it is central to the transition toward low-carbon energy systems. The role of pumped storage, in particular, has grown in prominence as grids seek stability alongside intermittent wind and solar generation. The scale of projects has also evolved. Over the past 25 years, we have witnessed the completion of some of the most ambitious hydropower schemes in history. Mega-projects in Asia, South America, and Africa have redefined what is technically and logistically possible. These are not just feats of engineering, they are symbols of national development, energy security, and, increasingly, complex environmental and social negotiation. At the same time, there has been a noticeable rise in smaller, more flexible hydropower installations, reflecting a diversification of the sector that was less apparent at the turn of the millennium. Technological advancement has been another defining feature of this period. Digitalisation, data analytics, and remote monitoring have transformed how assets are managed and maintained. What once required on-site intervention can now often be assessed in real time from thousands of miles away. Turbine efficiency has improved,
environmental mitigation measures have become more sophisticated, and refurbishment of aging infrastructure has emerged as a major area of focus. In many respects, the industry has become both smarter and more responsive. Yet perhaps the most striking constant over these 25 years has been the people. Hydropower is an industry that retains talent in a way few others do. It is not uncommon to meet professionals who have spent entire careers – 30, 40, 50 years –within the sector. There is a sense of continuity and shared purpose that binds engineers, developers, operators, and policymakers together. Projects often span decades from conception to completion, fostering a long-term perspective that naturally encourages people to stay. Why does it retain talent so effectively? Part of the answer lies in the tangible impact of the work. Hydropower and dam projects are visible, enduring, and deeply connected to communities. They provide not just electricity, but water management, flood control, and economic opportunity. For many in the industry, that sense of contributing to something lasting is a powerful motivator. As I reflect on my own 25-year journey, I am struck by how fortunate I have been to witness, and document, this evolution. The industry continues to adapt, innovate, and respond to global challenges, yet it does so with a steady confidence rooted in decades of experience. If the past quarter century is any indication, the future of hydropower will be just as dynamic, and just as enduring. Undoubtedly, so will my deadlines
Carrieann Stocks
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