#GlobalHydropowerDay

On October 11, 2025 - we are celebrating the essential role of hydropower in driving a sustainable energy future. We celebrate not only the technology, but also the people who make it possible, and the millions of people whose lives are transformed by clean, reliable electricity.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of renewable energy, we are reminded of the critical role hydropower plays in our collective efforts to combat the climate change. Hydropower stands as a cornerstone of sustainable energy; not only does it provide reliable energy, but it also offers significant benefits for balancing the intermittent nature of wind and solar power. With hydropower we are enabling the green transition.

Frédéric Sauzé, President and CEO of ANDRITZ Hydropower and Member of the ANDRITZ GROUP Executive Board, re-elected as IHA Board member and announced Vice Chair of the IHA in 2025.

Hydropower - Clean. Reliable. Essential.

Hydropower is more than just electricity – YES . It’s about resilience, water management, and enabling the energy transition.

Renewable hydropower is a reliable, adaptable, and cost-effective source of clean power generation and responsible water management. Modern hydropower plants help accelerate the transition to a clean energy supply by providing important services in the areas of power generation, energy storage, flexibility, and climate protection.

Hydropower is also an important resource for building secure, clean power systems and achieving global net-zero targets.

“I’m honored to continue serving on the IHA Board and to contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable hydropower. Together, we are driving innovation, collaboration, and progress toward a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet.” - Frédéric Sauzé

Hydropower: Powering communities and progress

Hydropower does not end with electricity generation. It provides socioeconomic benefits, creates local jobs, supports regional economies, ensures water supply and flood control, and can be used for irrigation and navigation. And hydropower is more necessary than ever as it is key to climate adaptation, offering flexible energy and water storage. Hydropower can deliver greater value from less water.

The hydropower industry employs more than 2.3 million people worldwide directly and any more in related supply chains, accounting for 17% of total power generation employment — the second-largest contributor after solar PV.

The Paris Pledge on Pumped Storage Hydropower is a joint initiative by the International Hydropower Association and Eurelectric. Backed by 64 utilities, suppliers and associations across Europe, the pledge represents a united front to accelerate pumped storage development across the continent.

Hydropower - Flexible. Balancing.

Hydropower is an optimal balance to variable renewables like wind and solar thanks to its flexibility and energy storage services. Pumped storage is the world's largest energy storage technology, accounting for over 85% of installed global energy storage capacity, far ahead of lithium-ion and other battery types.

“Pumped storage is a cornerstone of the energy transition, and ANDRITZ continues to lead with innovation and expertise in this field. Together, we’re enabling a resilient, renewable-powered future for Europe, contributing to sustainable industrial growth and the success of the European Green Deal - and beyond.“ - Frédéric Sauzé

Best practice examples of sustainable hydropower