| North America
raise the electrical voltage from 18 kV to 500 kV, allowing for more efficient transmission, reliable and continuous delivery of energy to residences, businesses, and industries.
International Hydropower Association
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has released its Annual Report for 2023/24, highlighting a year of significant achievements and transitions. As Roger Gill passed the presidency to Malcolm Turnbull, the IHA made substantial strides in promoting sustainable hydropower as a key player in the global energy transition.
Among the landmark events of the year was the introduction of the inaugural World Hydropower Outlook, a comprehensive report outlining the future potential and challenges for hydropower development worldwide. This document sets out a realistic roadmap to enable hydropower and other renewables to deliver against net zero targets.
Another major development was the launch of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, an initiative designed to enhance the industry’s commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. This alliance brings together key players from across the sector to share best practices and drive continuous improvement. The IHA also hosted its largest-ever in-person
World Hydropower Congress, bringing together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the globe to discuss and collaborate on the future of hydropower. This event underscored the increasing recognition of hydropower’s vital role in achieving global renewable energy goals. Additionally, the IHA represented the
hydropower sector at the Renewables Hub at COP28, as part of the Global Renewables Alliance. This involvement highlighted hydropower’s critical role in the broader context of renewable energy and climate action. The report celebrates the addition of 20 new members to the IHA, reflecting growing support and recognition of the importance of sustainable hydropower. However, it also emphasizes the need for continued efforts to amplify the voice of hydropower in global energy discussions, advocate for policy changes, and attract investment necessary to meet the target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The Annual Report includes sections on the
IHA’s 2022-27 Strategy, the implementation of a values-based membership model, and a comprehensive review of the year’s activities and accomplishments.
Ontario Waterpower Association
At the 2024 Power of Water Canada Conference and Tradeshow – the largest gathering of the hydroelectric industry in the country – the
Honourable Todd Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Energy re-affirmed the government’s strong support for sustaining existing waterpower facilities and expanding waterpower’s contribution to the province’s energy needs. “This government continues to be a strong supporter of Made in Ontario waterpower”, said Paul Norris, President of the Ontario Waterpower Association. “I am particularly pleased with the Minister’s announcement of a ‘Northern Hydro Program’ to recontract existing facilities and his encouragement of new waterpower development in the upcoming IESO procurement.”
On May 8, 2024, the Minister issued a letter asking the IESO to engage with stakeholders on the development of a Northern Hydro Program (NHP), recontracting existing large hydroelectric generation facilities whose installed capacity is greater than 10 megawatts. The Program design is to leverage lessons learned and best practices identified in the development of the Small Hydro Program (SHP) and consider the benefits and/or social value that may be provided, in addition to the electricity system benefits (e.g., water management) and capital investments needed to maintain and operate large hydroelectric facilities, while delivering ratepayer value. More than two dozen facilities are expected to be eligible for the NHP. The Minister also referenced the upcoming
Long Term 2 Requests for Proposals (LT2) for new non-emitting generation and the separate stream for 500-1000 MW of long lead time assets, including hydroelectricity. The RFP is scheduled to be issued in 2024 with contracts for successful projects executed in 2025. LT2 is the first in a series of three (3) planned cadenced procurements over the next five (5) years with a total target of 5,000 MW. “Securing our existing facilities through the SHP and NHP will create investment confidence in our industry”, added Norris. “We are gearing up for growth and I am confident that we have the talent and expertise in the companies right here at this event to realize Ontario’s significant untapped waterpower potential.”
USSD
The US Society on Dams (USSD) hosted a highly successful 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Seattle, WA from April 22-26. Over 800 dam and levee professionals attended the multi-day event, participating in 130+ technical sessions, a plenary session, a Legacy lecture, and various workshops to enhance their expertise. The conference provided an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and fostering connections within the industry. Attendees engaged in insightful conversations with peers, reconnecting with friends and making new connections. The Summer 2024 issue of Dams & Levees: Bulletin of the U.S. Society on Dams, available
CEATI Women in Power
The Women In Power Group is a dedicated community that focuses on sharing common challenges and strategies for overcoming obstacles faced by women in the power industry. The group promotes camaraderie and fosters the progression of the industry through a network of support, mentorship, and peer-to- peer connections. Open to all self-identifying women within the CEATI network, the group provides a valuable platform for Engineers, Technical Specialists, and professionals in all roles. Members have the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow women in the power industry.
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on the USSD website in July, will feature a comprehensive recap of this year’s event. USSD recognized the following finalists for the 2024 Kim de Rubertis Student Scholarship: 1st Place: Ashley Woodward, University of California, Berkeley - “Evaluating Failure Mechanisms of Mine Tailings Dams Under High Stress” 2nd Place: Alicia Walburger, Brigham Young University - “Improvement of Probabilistic Liquefaction Triggering Curves for Gravelly Soil”
3rd Place: Isaac Nedved, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - “Viability of geomembranes to reduce overtopping and erosion failures in dams and levees” 4th Place: Johnathan Shelton, Tennessee Technological University - “Comparative Analysis of Dam Stability: Integrating Simplified Methods with FEA Seepage and Undrained Shear Strength Assessments”
Outstanding Paper Awards Outstanding Paper: “Mitigating Impacts of PLC in Post-Tensioned Anchor Grout” by Bryan Bledsoe, USACE Outstanding Young Professional Paper: “Tuolumne Log Pond Dam Spillway Improvement Project” by Christopher Krage, David Guiterrez, Rob Fill, and Krishna Amirineni (GEI Consultants, Inc.), and Kip Wivell (Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal Council)
2024 Awards and Recognitions Excellence in Constructed Project Award: Tuolumne Log Pond Dam Spillway Upgrade (GEI Consultants, Inc., Granite Construction Company, Tuolumne Economic Development Authority, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians)
Public Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Award: Bashar Sudah, PE, PMP (Metropolitan Water District of Southern California) Exceptional Young Professional of the Year Award: Chris Krage (GEI Consultants, Inc.)
Lifetime Achievement Award: David Paul (Paul GeoTek Engineering LLC)
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