What's Happening?
Europe's hydropower sector is advocating for increased recognition and funding under the EU's upcoming Framework Programme 10 (FP10). A joint position paper by EERA Joint Programme Hydropower and ETIP HYDROPOWER highlights the need for more research and innovation
funding to support hydropower's role in energy security and industrial competitiveness. The paper argues that hydropower, with its dispatchable low-carbon generation and large-scale storage capabilities, is crucial for stabilizing an increasingly electrified system. Despite its advantages, hydropower has historically received a small share of EU R&I support, prompting calls for a dedicated SET Plan Implementation Working Group on Hydropower.
Why It's Important?
Hydropower's potential to provide balancing services and long-duration storage is becoming increasingly valuable as Europe transitions to renewable energy. The sector's push for greater EU funding reflects the need to enhance hydropower's role in achieving energy security and climate goals. By securing more research and innovation support, hydropower can strengthen its contribution to Europe's net-zero ambitions and mitigate geopolitical and commodity price volatility. The establishment of a dedicated working group could ensure strategic coherence and align hydropower's contributions with EU funding priorities.
