International Water Power & Dam Construction

🌊  January Digital Edition ⚡ As you await the February issue to hit your desk, don’t miss our January edition, packed with expert insights on the latest innovations, challenges, and advancements shaping the industry. 🔹 How Italy is balancing dam rehabilitation with innovation to sustain aging infrastructure 🔹 Spotlight on Preformed Windings new Sheffield facility 🔹 Embracing digital twin technology to revolutionize the sector 🔹 AI-powered risk management: How Synectics’ Synergy DETECT is driving smarter decision-making 🔹 Herrenknecht AG’s expertise: Navigating challenges and rewards in tunnelling 🔹 Lessons from Switzerland: Insights that are enhancing Alaska’s Lowell Creek flood project 🔹 A deep dive into how investment is shaping the future of hydropower 🔹 The Hydro Academy: Bridging knowledge gaps through training 🔹 Eddie Rich of the IHA on why sustainable hydropower is essential for energy transition, climate resilience, and water management 🔹 Energyfish: A revolutionary eco-friendly micro-hydro solution harnessing rivers for renewable energy 🔹 Spiralis Energy’s tidal innovation: Sustainable, predictable, and eco-friendly power generation 🔹 Major milestone: BC Hydro completes the filling of the Site C reservoir, marking a new phase in hydropower development 🔹 Investing in the future: A $1 million initiative to recruit, train, and empower the next generation of US hydropower professionals 🚀 Stay ahead of industry trends – read the full digital edition now! 👉 https://lnkd.in/eYjngHtN #hydropower #dams #tunnelling #sustainableenergy #AI #waterpower #tidalenergy

Hydropower facilities operate in high-risk environments, where worker safety and infrastructure security are critical. With evolving challenges - ranging from PPE compliance to unauthorized access - AI-powered surveillance is becoming an essential tool. Synectics’ Synergy DETECT is designed specifically for these demands, offering real-time AI-driven monitoring for risks like falls, PPE violations, and intrusion detection. By integrating seamlessly with existing infrastructure, it enables operators to proactively manage safety and security threats. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eAS-neSt #AI #RiskManagement #Hydropower #Surveillance #InfrastructureSecurity

🌊 60 Years. One Company. A Lifetime of Impact. 🌊 In an era where long service is increasingly rare, Michael Wallis has achieved something truly extraordinary – 60 years with Hydro Tasmania, Entura, and Hydro Tasmania Consulting. Since 1965, Mike has been a cornerstone of Tasmania’s hydropower industry, dedicating his entire career to one company and helping to keep the lights on for generations. Over the decades, he has seen 13 CEOs, the evolution of computing, and vast industry changes – yet his passion for hydropower, his colleagues, and mentoring young engineers has never wavered. Congratulations, Mike, on this phenomenal milestone! 👏⚡💙 https://lnkd.in/gbyMBnXc #60YearsOneCompany #Hydropower #Engineering

Rolls-Royce has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with SWU Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm GmbH (SWU) for 20,000MWh of CO2-free electricity annually. The electricity will come exclusively from the Donaustetten hydropower plant in southern Germany. By using hydropower, Rolls-Royce expects to cut its carbon emissions by approximately 7,000 tons each year. The five-year agreement guarantees stable energy conditions and supports Rolls-Royce’s broader sustainability strategy. The company has been expanding its use of renewable energy through microgrids and solar power. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eshR_gdQ #hydropower #hydroelectric #cleanenergy

Valmet has announced it will modernise the automation system at KSS Energia Oy’s Verla 2 hydropower plant in Kouvola, Finland. The upgrade will replace an outdated third-party system with the Valmet DNA Hydro Turbine Automation, aiming to improve operational reliability. The Verla hydropower plant, originally built to support the local wood processing industry, consists of two units, Verla 1 and Verla 2. It generates approximately 15,000MWh of electricity annually, enough to power about 3,000 average households. The Valmet DNA Hydro Turbine Automation system will be connected to the Hinkismäki power station. All KSS Energia hydropower plants are centrally operated from a control room managed by Norwegian technology supplier Volue. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eBtFX4-b #hydropower #automation #turbine

The Lake Creek hydroelectric plant, located in Troy, Montana, US, officially came online last year following a successful retrofit. The project, undertaken by Canyon Hydro for owner and operator Northern Lights, involved the installation of advanced hydroelectric components designed to enhance performance and reliability. A key feature of the retrofit was the integration of Vesconite Bearings Hilube components, known for their no-swell, self-lubricating properties. These components play a critical role in the plant’s operation, ensuring efficiency and reducing maintenance requirements. Read more: https://lnkd.in/enXTi-Pd #hydropower #hilube #bearings

A tunnel boring machine (TBM) has begun work on a new 5.6km pressure tunnel as part of the modernization of VERBUND’s Kaprun-Hauptstufe power plant. The launch, which took place on February 18, 2025, marked a key milestone for the ‘Kaprun 2029’ project. The new headrace is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, ensuring the continued safe and efficient transport of water from the Wasserfallboden reservoir to the power plant. The TBM being used for this project was previously deployed in the Limberg II and Limberg III projects. Key components, including the 100-tonne cutterhead with a 6.90m diameter, have been replaced and adapted. The entire TBM measures 190m in length and weighs 1,200 tonnes. Transporting its components required 90 separate deliveries to the assembly cavern, where it was put together over eight weeks. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ebA6JRwq #hydropower #tunnelling #TBM

ALMENDRA DAM, SPAIN The Almendra Dam, also known as Villarino Dam, is located on the Tormes River in Salamanca, Spain. Constructed between 1964 and 1970, this hydroelectric facility has become an integral part of Spain's renewable energy infrastructure and water management system. Rising to an impressive height of 202m, the Almendra Dam holds the distinction of being the tallest dam in Spain. Its massive structure stretches 3,036m across the river valley, creating a reservoir with a capacity of 2,648hm3. This vast body of water covers an area of approximately 8,650 hectares, making it one of the largest artificial lakes in the country. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, and it serves as a crucial component of the Saltos del Duero hydroelectric system. The associated José María Oriol-Alcántara II power plant boasts an installed capacity of 810MW, capable of generating an average of 1,376GWh of electricity annually. This significant output contributes substantially to Spain's renewable energy portfolio. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Almendra Dam's design is its underground power station. The Villarino Power Station is located approximately 14km west of the main dam structure and is connected by an extensive tunnel system. This innovative design allows for efficient power generation while minimizing the visual impact on the surrounding landscape. The construction of the Almendra Dam was a massive undertaking, requiring over 2 million cubic meters of concrete. Engineers opted for a dome-shaped or vault-type design, which was particularly well-suited to the specific terrain characteristics of the site. This design choice has proven effective in withstanding the immense pressure exerted by the reservoir. While the dam has brought significant benefits in terms of power generation and water management, its construction was not without impact on the local area. Several villages, including Argusinos, were submerged during the creation of the reservoir, altering the landscape and displacing communities. In recent years, efforts have been made to mitigate the environmental impact of the dam. A new ecological flow system has been implemented to maintain more natural conditions in the Tormes River downstream of the dam. This system aims to balance the needs of power generation with the preservation of aquatic ecosystems. The Almendra Dam has also played a role in regional development, particularly in agriculture. The availability of water for irrigation has supported greenhouse cultivation in Salamanca, contributing to the area's economic growth. #dam #hydropower #reservoir

McMillen has appointed Herman Wanningen as its European Market Lead, expanding the company’s presence in Europe and opening a second office in the Netherlands. Wanningen, an ecologist and advocate for river connectivity and fish migration, is best known as the founder of World Fish Migration Day and the initiator of the Dam Removal Europe movement. Since its launch in 2014, World Fish Migration Day has grown into a global event promoting awareness of river conservation and migratory fish. His work on dam removal has helped bring attention to an estimated 150,000 obsolete dams across Europe that no longer serve a beneficial purpose or pose safety risks. After years of raising awareness, Wanningen is shifting focus to direct action with McMillen. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eXafxQDh #riverconnectivity #damremovaleurope #appointment

For years, tidal power has lagged behind wind and solar, but Spiralis Energy thinks that’s about to change. With their Axial Skelter technology – designed for efficiency, scalability, and minimal environmental impact– they’re betting on predictable ocean currents as a key part of the clean energy future. Their next big test? Deploying the tech off Alderney, where strong tides and diesel dependency make for an ideal proving ground. Read the full feature here: https://lnkd.in/e9gN2Rsk #tidalenergy #tidalpower #renewableenergy #tides2tea