| World news Global Dam Safety Society launched to address global concerns on water management


In a bid to enhance global efforts in water management and ensure the safety of crucial dam structures, the newly formed Dam Safety Society has been launched. The establishment of this institution aims to propagate the importance of dam safety and asset management worldwide. Dams have increasingly become focal points in water management strategies globally, serving as vital reservoirs for economic stability and community well-being. With reservoir storage becoming increasingly crucial, particularly in the face of climate change, it’s imperative that dams retain their operational integrity over multiple generations. Recognizing the necessity for comprehensive dam safety measures, advanced countries have already implemented legislative and technological interventions. However, many developing nations are yet to establish similar frameworks, highlighting the need for a platform to bridge these knowledge and capability gaps. The formation of the Dam Safety Society comes at a critical juncture, with governments worldwide imposing regulations and responsibilities on dam owners for the maintenance and management of these vital structures. With numerous large and small dams in operation, the society aims to address issues related to their health and upkeep, ensuring the continued benefits they provide to society.


Dams and their associated structures represent significant


investments for countries, making their protection and continued productivity imperative. The discipline of dam safety encompasses


various technologies, materials, and management techniques, making the society’s role in consolidating and disseminating knowledge invaluable. The launch of the Dam Safety Society during the ICOLD 2023


event in Gothenburg, Sweden, received widespread acclaim from dam professionals worldwide. Interest from ICOLD dam safety experts and member countries underscores the urgency and importance of collaborative efforts in the field. The society’s mandate includes covering scientific, technological, and managerial aspects of dam safety, providing a platform for professionals to address unique challenges faced by existing dams. Unlike new projects, which benefit from standardized practices, dam safety requires a distinct approach, which the society aims to develop through shared knowledge and experiences. In addition to fostering collaboration among professionals, the society plans to organize regular meetings focusing on various aspects of dam safety, including operation, maintenance, simulation, emergency responses, rehabilitation, and management. These gatherings will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and the development of effective solutions to enhance dam safety practices globally. For more details on the Dam Safety Society, please email: damsafetysociety@gmail.com The Society is currently organising the International Conference on Dam Safety, to be held 18-19 July 2024, Revadia, Gujarat, India, as well as a workshop on the Instrumentation of Dams including Seismic Instrumentation, from 16-17 July 2024.


US Hydropower investment opportunities remain vastly untapped in US, says new report As the world shifts towards cleaner energy solutions, the spotlight often falls on technologies like solar power. However, amidst this transition, there remains an overlooked potential in hydropower investments, according to a recent report. Despite its proven reliability and capacity to


provide 96% of the nation’s utility-scale energy storage, hydropower is often dismissed as fully capitalized. Contrary to this perception, the report highlights significant untapped potential, especially in smaller projects producing up to 30MW of power. The US boasts over 90,000 dams, yet less than 3% of them are utilized for power generation. Moreover, thousands of non- powered dams offer ripe opportunities for investment, while existing facilities can be upgraded to enhance capacity. Additionally, millions of miles of waterways, including rivers and canals, remain untapped for in-stream hydropower projects.


With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, financial support for clean energy projects, including hydropower and pumped storage hydro (PSH), has become more accessible.


PSH, with its ability to store energy for extended periods compared to batteries, is gaining traction as a crucial asset in balancing the increasingly variable renewable energy supply. Globally, hydropower ranks as the third-


largest source of electricity, following coal and natural gas. Its role in providing firm power becomes even more crucial as nations pivot away from fossil fuels. The report underscores hydropower’s synergy with other renewable sources and emphasizes the growing value of its reliability and flexibility. The report, titled “Hydropower Investment Landscape,” conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and funded by the US Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), outlines several key findings: Medium-Sized projects offer significant opportunities: The pipeline for medium-sized projects, with a capacity exceeding 1GW, includes a variety of development options such as capacity additions, non-powered dam retrofits, and hybrid projects combining multiple renewable technologies; Innovative technologies present opportunities: Modular conduit hydropower, non-powered dam resources, hybrid plant configurations, and closed-loop PSH systems represent avenues for future investment and development; and Investor interest is prominent: Various investor types, including


project developers, utilities, venture capital funds, institutional investors, and commercial banks, show interest in different aspects of hydropower projects. Factors such as stable cash flow, scalable technologies, and reduced risk contribute to their investment decisions. Addressing the challenges associated with


hydropower projects, including financing, permitting, and supply chain constraints, is crucial for unlocking investment potential. The report recommends governmental support in financing and early-stage development, improved market incentives, streamlined permitting processes, and continued research into reducing deployment costs. The WPTO, alongside other federal agencies, is pivotal in advancing the hydropower sector through initiatives supporting research, development, and funding opportunities. By collaborating across various departments, the WPTO aims to raise awareness and facilitate investments in hydropower for a sustainable energy future.


North America


NHA and Marine Renewables Canada in historic knowledge sharing agreement In a landmark move aimed at leveraging marine energy for global net zero objectives,


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