Generation for generations: modernising hydropower for a new energy era

As hydropower assets around the world age, modernisation is becoming a critical strategy for ensuring system reliability, flexibility, and climate resilience. This plenary will take a high-level, global perspective on how upgrading existing infrastructure—through digitalisation, refurbishment, and strategic enhancements—can increase generation efficiency, unlock additional storage capacity, and improve operational adaptability.

Session objectives

• Showcase lessons learned from successful modernisation programmes.
• Demonstrate how modernisation strengthens power systems and supports sustainable growth.
• Explore how coordinated global approaches can maximise the benefits of existing hydropower assets.
• highlight investment-ready opportunities.