Europe | Breaking through
Power production, market prices, pumped storage, repairs, and even beavers, play a starring role in this round up of the European hydro and dams industry
However, despite its critical part in the power
Above: Sultartangavirkjun hydroelectric power plant in upper Þjórsárdalur valley, Iceland, located between the Sultartanga reservoir and the Búrfell in the Þjórsá river. Iceland has been described as being a global model for sustainable energy practices
sector, hydro power development across European countries continues to face significant hurdles, according to the IHA’s recent 2025 Hydropower Outlook report. It cites policy misalignments and market uncertainty as major barriers to investment, with complex, lengthy and burdensome permitting processes delaying and hindering the timely delivery of new capacity. In 2024 there was 263GW of European installed capacity, with 544MW (including 56MW of pumped storage) installed during the year. The top five countries to add capacity in the region were: Turkey (241MW). Portugal (160MW) Austria (118MW0. Germany (63MW). Norway (53MW).
LAST YEAR, 680TWH OF hydro powered its way throughout Europe, in what has been described as a breakthrough year for renewable energy generation. And along with the rapid deployment of wind and solar, the International Hydropower Association (IHA) says hydro played a crucial role with its decade-high growth.
Hydropower continues to make important contributions to European energy markets. With the flexibility and storage capabilities of reservoir based and pumped storage plants described as being ‘unmatched by any other technology’, hydropower is acknowledged as being crucial for regulation of the European energy market.
An aerial view of
Lago di Barcis lake and dam in Italy
12 | October 2025 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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