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EU hydropower sites could host 25GW of new renewables without grid upgrades, Ember says
Existing hydropower plants in seven of the European Union’s largest hydro markets could accommodate up to 25GW of additional wind and solar capacity without requiring new grid infrastructure, according to analysis by energy think tank Ember. The report examines hydropower assets in Austria, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Spain, which together account for 93GW of the EU’s 131GW of installed hydropower capacity. It concludes that hybridising existing hydro plants by adding wind or solar generation behind the same grid connection could provide 18% of the renewable capacity these countries plan to install by 2030. Ember argues that sharing existing grid connections offers a way to continue renewable deployment as grid constraints increasingly delay new projects across Europe. The report estimates a gap of more than 120GW between available grid capacity and anticipated renewable growth by 2030, with connection shortages already affecting several countries. The study found that many hydropower plants make limited use of their existing grid connections because they operate primarily during periods of peak electricity demand. Reservoir and pumped storage plants included in the analysis have an average capacity factor of 19%, leaving significant spare connection capacity that could be used by solar or wind generation. According to Ember, hybridisation could increase average grid connection utilisation to
36% with solar and 31% with wind without changing the dispatch behaviour of existing hydro plants. The report excluded hydropower facilities located near
protected areas from its assessment and found that around 28% of large hydropower capacity across the seven countries remained suitable for hybrid development after environmental screening. Austria and Italy had the highest eligible shares, while Bulgaria had the lowest. Hybridisation potential varies considerably between countries. Austria could meet around 77% of its planned renewable additions through hydro hybridisation, while Bulgaria could meet around 7%, reflecting differences in both renewable deployment targets and site availability. The report also highlights a lack of dedicated regulation for hybrid projects across most of Europe. Among the seven countries assessed, only Portugal and Spain have established specific regulatory frameworks to support hybrid renewable developments. Ember says wider adoption will require national legislation, streamlined permitting and faster grid connection procedures. Elisabeth Cremona, energy infrastructures lead at Ember, said hybridisation offers “an immediate, zero-intervention solution” for countries facing grid bottlenecks by allowing wind and solar projects to share existing hydro grid connections rather than waiting for new network capacity.
Portugal
Portugal targets 5GW pumped storage by 2040
Portugal has unveiled a National Energy Storage Strategy that targets approximately 3.9GW of pumped storage capacity by 2030 and more than 5GW by 2040. The strategy identifies pumped storage as the country’s main large-scale, long-duration energy storage solution. The strategy was presented by Secretary of
State for Energy Jean Barroca in the presence of Minister for Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho. It forms part of Portugal’s plans to support an electricity system that already generates around 80% of its power from renewable sources, while providing the storage needed to integrate additional renewable capacity. Portugal currently operates more than 3.6GW of pumped storage capacity and plans to expand this through projects including Alto Lindoso and the proposed Minhéu pumped storage scheme. The country is also home to the Tâmega hydroelectric complex, one of Europe’s largest pumped storage developments. The government said the strategy will be supported by competitive auctions for new storage capacity, future tenders for pumped storage projects and regulatory reforms intended to simplify permitting procedures. According to the strategy, additional
energy storage will help improve security of
supply, reduce renewable energy curtailment, stabilise electricity prices and strengthen energy sovereignty. The International Hydropower Association (IHA) welcomed the strategy, describing it as one of the strongest national policy commitments to long-duration energy storage in Europe. Eddie Rich, CEO, International Hydropower Association, commented: “Portugal’s new National Energy Storage Strategy is a strong signal that long-duration storage must be treated as essential national infrastructure. “By outlining the strategic role of pumped
storage, Portugal is showing how countries can build electricity systems that are not only cleaner but also more secure, flexible, affordable and resilient. This is the kind of ambition needed to unlock the full potential of renewable energy across Europe. “IHA welcomes Portugal’s commitment and we look forward to working with stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of the storage infrastructure required for a reliable and secure energy transition net zero energy future. We can with hydropower.”
US
Bipartisan US hydropower bills introduced
A series of bipartisan bills aimed at reforming hydropower licensing and regulatory processes has been introduced in the US House of Representatives and Senate, the National
Hydropower Association (NHA) has announced. The US industry association highlighted four pieces of legislation introduced ahead of Congress’s summer district work period, covering routine maintenance licensing, mandatory conditions imposed by resource agencies, hydropower projects at US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dams and water quality certification. Representatives Nick Langworthy of New
York and Kim Schrier of Washington have introduced the House version of the FLOWS Act. According to NHA, the legislation is intended to streamline licensing for routine maintenance and support faster deployment of marine energy devices. The Senate version is led by Senators Lisa
Murkowski of Alaska and Angus King of Maine. Separately, Senators Steve Daines of Montana, Jim Risch of Idaho and Murkowski have introduced the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act. The legislation is the Senate companion to a bill previously introduced in the House by Representative Cliff Bentz of Oregon. The bill seeks to limit the scope of mandatory conditions imposed by resource agencies to project effects. Members of both chambers have also introduced legislation to standardise the process for hydropower licences at USACE dams under the Section 408 programme. Section 408 governs alterations to USACE public works projects, including dams. The proposed legislation aims to establish consistent guidelines across USACE districts and remove duplicative reviews.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | September 2026 | 5
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