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and extensive water resources across its 103,000km2 land area. From the 1960s to the 2000s, Iceland focused on large-scale hydro power projects to support its energy-intensive industries. Today, the country’s installed capacity reaches 2096MW, producing 13TWh annually – though its technically feasible potential remains much higher, at 55-64TWh per year.


However, as the authors point out, due to its small


population size, the country’s current installed capacity is sufficient and the remaining technically feasible potential does not need to be exploited. Hydropower remains central to Iceland’s economy, supporting 80% of its electricity demand for energy intensive industries. Nonetheless, challenges such as glacial retreat and public opposition to new dams underscore the need for adaptive strategies, and the country is now diversifying into hybrid energy systems, combining hydropower with geothermal and floating solar. Utilising only 24% of its technical potential, Kasiulis et al say Iceland’s managed growth model offers lessons for EU nations struggling with conflicting climate and conservation goals. Unlike Poland’s reliance on coal or Lithuania’s energy import dependence, Iceland’s 100% renewable grid demonstrates how strategic planning can align energy security with environmental protection. Admitting that Iceland’s success is partly enabled by its small population and relatively stable electricity demand – conditions that are not easily replicated in many EU countries – the authors wanted to highlight Iceland’s unique approach to sustainable hydropower, providing a benchmark for other countries navigating similar trade-offs. The main reason behind unutilised hydropower capacity in the EU, they go on to add, is the fact that the majority of various EU Directives related to hydropower development purely view it as being an electricity generator. Little attention is paid to its additional social, economic, and even environmental values.


Comparative cases Using a comparative case study approach and


stakeholder mapping in their research, Kasiulis et al say that while the national contexts of Slovenia, Poland, Lithuania, and Iceland do differ, their comparative analysis reveals a universal finding: the critical implementation barrier is not a lack of technical potential, but a systemic legislative gap between climate ambition, including environmental protection and Green Deal policy framework, that creates uncertainty and conflict across all levels of governance. They add that such misalignment affects national hydropower development across all case countries, particularly in expanding run-of-river capacities. The authors add that technological and infrastructural innovation offers potential pathways for overcoming these barriers. Pumped-storage hydropower is gaining attention, with Poland targeting 4235MW by 2040, up from 1705MW today. Hybrid systems that combine solar, wind, and hydro power also represent a missed opportunity across all four countries, where large-scale hybrid installations are not yet foreseen. In conclusion, Kasiulis et al re-iterate that


hydropower can continue to play a vital role in Europe’s energy transition, but only if planning frameworks are realigned, stakeholder engagement is deepened, and multipurpose services are fully recognised in policy design.


Welsh Tidal Lagoon Plans are well underway to deliver a tidal lagoon in


Swansea Bay, Wales. A recent landmark agreement between Swansea Council and Batri will see the former Tir John landfill site transformed into a major new solar farm, creating the clean energy foundation needed to power a wider programme of renewable energy projects. The development of this new 3MW solar farm is the first major step in the ground-breaking initiative and will create part of the energy infrastructure required to allow the lagoon project’s tidal and land elements to proceed. The scheme is being led by DST Innovations in the area of Swansea Port and Fabian Way, Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “Our ambition is to become one of the leading renewable energy regions in Europe by creating a once-in-a- generation tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay. A tidal lagoon here would put the city on the world map for renewable energy and deliver clean power for decades. The momentum is building, and the vision is very much alive.” The lagoon would harness the power of the tides


to generate predictable, renewable electricity, create thousands of skilled jobs and drive significant long term economic growth for Swansea and the wider region. It would also form a striking new landmark along Swansea Bay, combining energy generation with public spaces, leisure opportunities and a new visitor attraction celebrating marine ecology and climate innovation. The overall Swansea project continues to progress


through planning, development and reporting milestones, with further announcements expected as additional phases reach the appropriate stage.


Moldova


In the Republic of Moldova, the National Administration Apele Moldovei has procured a high-performance georadar system to help with dam safety inspections. The equipment was donated by the Austrian Development Agency, Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme. The georadar, which allows non-invasive underground investigations by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, will be used to assess dam safety in five areas - Copăceanca, Soloneț, Bahu, Ialgug and Lăpușna. The new system provides detailed images of subsurface layers, contributing to efficient and accurate interventions, increasing safety in areas vulnerable


www.waterpowermagazine.com | May 2026 | 23


Sultartangavirkjun hydroelectric power plant in upper Þjórsárdalur valley, located between the Sultartanga reservoir and the Búrfell in the Þjórsá river, Iceland


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